Department for Transport

Department for Transport: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in his Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Mr John Hayes: Information on Deputy Director roles undertaken by Senior Civil Servants (SCS) outside of London is as follows: YearNumber of deputy director rolesProportion of deputy director roles based outside London20144228.57%20152013.3%20162113.0% 2014 consists of SCS roles for the central Department and 5 executive agencies, including the Highways Agency (now known as Highways England). From 1st April 2015, Highways England became a Limited Company and is therefore excluded from the figures in 2015 and 2016.

Egypt: Air Routes

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which of the Government's requirements for lifting the current flight ban between the UK and Sharm el-Sheikh have not been met by Egyptian authorities.

Mr John Hayes: Following the Metrojet crash, the Foreign Office travel advice was changed so that direct air services between the UK and Sharm el-Sheikh airport were halted. We look forward to achieving the return of flights, once we can be assured of there being the necessary secure and sustainable security situation. UK aviation security experts continue to work closely with their Egyptian counterparts on the ground, sharing their expertise in establishing effective security arrangements. It would not be appropriate to provide details on the specific security measures being taken.

Department for Transport: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration his Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Andrew Jones: Being able to analyse properly the impact of policies in relation to particular groups is a fundamental part of good policy-making. This is done in a range of ways, particularly through engagement with civil society and professionals. Cabinet Office guidance to all Government departments advises that child rights impact assessments should be undertaken on policy and legislative changes, and Impact assessments are regularly undertaken where the child is directly affected by proposed changes. The Department for Transport (DfT) in line with Article 12 of the Convention is always willing to listen to the views of children and young people and is willing to engage with them and their representatives for the exchange of knowledge and information that informs our policy making. In addition, in line with Article 23, as part of the Government’s wider inclusion agenda, our ambition is to enable disabled young people to fulfil their potential and, like everyone else, to have the opportunity to play a full role in society. DfT is advised by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) on transport legislation, regulations and guidance and on the transport needs of all disabled people.

A46: Lincoln

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proposals he has further to reduce traffic delays on the A46 Lincoln ring road; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Jones: The £95 million Lincoln Eastern Bypass has been progressed by Lincolnshire County Council to join the A15 and the A158, so providing some relief to the A46. The Department is currently assessing the final business case and Ministers hope to announce a decision on the funding shortly. Highways England is also considering the issues in the Lincoln area in its route strategies. It is currently assessing all relevant inputs, including traffic delays, to identify any potential schemes and develop priorities for Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2) between 2020 and 2025.

Heathrow Airport: Night Flying

Dr Tania Mathias: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 28 October 2016 to Question 50202, on Heathrow Airport: night flying, what (a) flexibility and (b) penalties for violation the Government plans to put in place in respect of the six-and-a-half hour ban on night flights from an expanded Heathrow Airport.

Mr John Hayes: The Government is seeking a legally binding ban on scheduled night flights of six and a half hours at an expanded Heathrow. This would provide an extra hour and a half free from noise compared to today’s operation. The rules around the operation of night flight restrictions would be determined through consultation in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Balanced Approach to noise management. Furthermore, it is also expected that new binding noise targets and runway alternation arrangements would be consulted on with local communities as part of the planning process.

Trains: Graffiti

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many trains have been taken out of circulation due to graffiti in each of the last three years.

Paul Maynard: The Department does not hold this information.

Heathrow Airport: Air Routes

Dr Tania Mathias: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer  of 28 October 2016 to Question 50200, on Heathrow Airport: air routes, what legal mechanisms the Government plans to use to protect existing domestic routes and provide additional connectivity across the UK with new routes from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the South West and North East of England.

Mr John Hayes: The Government is committed to ensuring that expansion at Heathrow benefits the whole of the UK and strengthens regional connectivity. The Government will set out mechanisms to protect and strengthen domestic services when it publishes a draft National Policy Statement in the New Year.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to include provisions on the regulation of drones in the Modern Transport Bill; and if he will make a statement.

Mr John Hayes: We have a robust regulatory framework for drones to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. We continue to work closely with the CAA and industry to adapt and strengthen these regulations as drone use and the technology evolves. The detailed content for the Modern Transport Bill is currently being considered.

Driving under Influence

Michelle Donelan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of lowering the drink-drive limit to 50mg alcohol per 100ml blood.

Andrew Jones: The Government has no plans to lower the drink drive limit. We believe that rigorous enforcement and serious penalties for drink drivers are a more effective deterrent than changing the drink driving limit. A fundamental review on drink and drug driving was commissioned in 2009. My Hon Friend can read the coalition government’s response here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-governments-response-to-the-reports-by-sir-peter-north-cbe-qc-and-the-transport-select-committee-on-drink-and-drug-driving

Driving under influence: Wiltshire

Michelle Donelan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many deaths were caused in Wiltshire by people driving over the prescribed alcohol limit in each of the last five years.

Andrew Jones: Column i) in the table below gives the number of road deaths in reported road accidents in Wiltshire (including Swindon) in which at least one driver was known to be over the drink drive limit. This information is derived from breath tests carried out at the scene and blood alcohol content (BAC) levels from coroners’ reports. In some cases drivers may not have stopped at the scene and therefore were not given a breath test. In other cases drivers may have been killed but the Department has not been supplied BAC levels by the coroner. It is possible that some of these drivers could have been over the alcohol limit but it is impossible to know. The total number of people killed in accidents involving at least one driver in this group is provided in column ii). Column iii) gives the total number of road deaths in Wiltshire for context. i) Number of road deaths in reported road accidents in which at least one motor vehicle driver known to be over the alcohol limit and ii) road deaths in accidents where it was not possible to determine whether a driver was over the alcohol limit: Wiltshire, 2010-2014 Yeari) Known ii) Unknowniii) Total road deaths201044312011310322012122120134125201411231 Data for 2015 will be available in August 2017.

Lasers: Safety

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the oral contribution of the Minister for Climate Change and Industry of 13 September 2016, Official Report, columns 757-8, what progress the Government has made on assessing options to help tackle the misuse of laser pens (a) on aircraft, (b) on transport infrastructure and (c) generally.

Mr John Hayes: The Government is clear that the misuse of laser pointers against transport operators presents serious safety concerns. That is why my Department is looking into legislative options to address the misuse of laser pointers against aircraft and other modes of transport. My officials will continue to work with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Home Office in tackling this important issue and ensuring public safety.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Communities and Local Government: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in his Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Mr Marcus Jones: Two of my Department's senior civil servants, classified as Deputy Directors, have been based outside London each year since 2014. The proportion of Deputy Directors outside London was 3% in each year since 2014.

Communities and Local Government: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration his Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Mr Marcus Jones: Being able to analyse properly the impact of polices in relation to particular groups is a fundamental part of good policy-making. This is done in a range of ways, particularly through engagement with civil society and professionals. In addition, Cabinet Office guidance to all Government departments advises that child rights impact assessments should be undertaken on policy and legislative changes, and Impact Assessments are regularly undertaken where the child is directly affected by proposed changes.Rights, freedoms and protections for children are considered throughout policy-making, but we have also put in place extra checkpoints – across government – where we think additional guarantees are useful and important. These include:The Equalities Impact Assessment, which ensures that decision-makers understand the impact on protected groups.a Family Test that helps us to understand the impact of new policies on families and children.Since May 2015, my Department has given due consideration to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when:considering the changes to the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites 2015 and changes to the Housing and Planning Act 2016, in relation to housing and accommodation needs assessments;developing policy and initiatives to reduce homelessness, by taking into account the impact on families and children. In particular, our funding and policy approaches target driving down the number of families and children experiencing homelessness and time spent in temporary accommodation.Undertaking the current consultation ‘Houses in Multiple Occupation and residential property licensing reforms’, which covers the enforcement of room sizes to be let out. It demonstrates how we are looking to strike the right balance between enforcing room sizes and preventing overcrowding. This is to help protect families’ interests, such as parents living in bedsits or letting rooms with a baby or young child.Continuing the roll out of the new Troubled Families Programme to 150 upper tier authorities in England. The programme focuses on families with multiple, high cost problems including: children affected by domestic violence and abuse, children who have not been attending school regularly, children involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, children with a range of health problems (including drug or alcohol abuse); young people at risk of worklessness; and children who need help: children of all ages, who need help, are identified as in need or are subject to a Child Protection Plan.And, as part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s devolution deal, the Government has committed to support establishing a Life Chances Investment Fund from April 2017, which will provide greater flexibility to invest in and develop innovative approaches to delivering public services in order to improve outcomes for local children and adults.

Building Regulations: Disability

Mr Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment he has made of the extent of compliance with Part M of the building regulations for (a) dwellings and (b) non-dwellings (i) nationally and (ii) in each local authority area.

Gavin Barwell: My Department has made no recent assessment of compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations. Compliance checking is undertaken by local authorities or private sector Approved Inspectors. However, the English Housing Survey includes information on the proportion of homes built with accessible features. It shows how “visitability” is much higher in homes built from 2001 onwards (when Part M began to have an impact) compared to those built before 2001. Also, my department has commissioned research into the effectiveness of the statutory guidance, which supports the requirements of Part M for new domestic buildings.

Domestic Violence: Females

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the implications for the provision of his Department's services of the findings of the report entitled, Joining the Dots: the combined burden of violence, abuse and poverty in the lives of women, published by Agenda in September 2016; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Marcus Jones: We have noted with interest the findings from Agenda's report 'Joining the Dots'.Domestic abuse is a devastating crime and we are determined to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should receive the support they need when they need it. In our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, launched earlier this year, we set out our ambition that service reform should go further and faster to meet the needs of women and girls suffering violence, dedicating £40 million of extra funding to support victims of domestic abuse.We have committed to a new National Statement of Expectations, which will set out for the first time our expectations for local areas in tackling all forms of violence against women and girls. To support this, we have launched a new two year fund, open to local authorities from across the country to bid for funding, providing core support for refuges and other specialist accommodation-based services, including support for victims with complex needs. The funding is also available to help local areas take the steps they need to meet the National Statement, and will be accompanied by a package of non-financial support for local areas.We are working with a range of partners to develop and promote new, innovative services for victims with the most complex needs, drawing on the best available evidence of what works. We will take the findings of the report into consideration as we develop this work

HM Treasury

Taxation: Environment Protection

Callum McCaig: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the role of the carbon price floor in maintaining security of electricity supply.

Jane Ellison: The Government takes into account a range of factors when considering the future direction of the Carbon Price Floor. An assessment of the wider impacts of the CPF was published in a Tax and Information Impact Note in March 2014 and can be accessed via the following the link, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-price-floor-reform.

Taxation: Environment Protection

Callum McCaig: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when his Department plans to provide an update on the future of the carbon price floor after 2021.

Jane Ellison: The Government continues to consider the long-term direction of the Carbon Price Floor and will make an announcement in due course.

Excise Duties: Beer

Michael Gove: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to review the terms of the Small Breweries' Relief scheme; and whether his Department has sought representations from all parts of that industry on the terms of that Relief scheme.

Jane Ellison: The Treasury is in regular contact with representatives from across the brewing industry and is aware of the concerns that some brewers have about Small Brewers’ Relief. The Treasury welcomes ideas from all stakeholders on possible reforms to Small Brewers’ Relief.

Police: Occupational Pensions

Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of making changes to police pension regulations to equalise survivor benefits for people in same sex and heterosexual marriages.

Mr David Gauke: In 2014, a review of Survivor Benefits in occupational pension schemes was conducted jointly by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Treasury (HMT) which considered the differences in benefits provided to widows, widowers and same-sex survivors. Details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/occupational-pension-schemes-review-of-survivor-benefits. A decision will be made in due course, and the outcome will apply to the police pension scheme.

Revenue and Customs: Porthmadog

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress has been made on finding an alternative location for the HM Revenue and Customs Welsh Language Unit staff and needs enhanced service staff located at Ty Moelwyn in Porthmadog.

Jane Ellison: While HM Revenue and Customs plans to exit its building at Porthmadog it will continue to have a Welsh Language Customer Services Team. HMRC remains committed to providing services in Welsh for its Welsh speaking customers and maintaining the high quality of these services in the future. It is discussing ways in which it can fulfil this commitment by providing shared services with other government departments. HMRC is currently developing the detail of how a shared service model may work.

Concentrix: Standards

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will conduct an official investigation into HM Revenue and Customs' conduct in relation to monitoring the performance of Concentrix since that company was awarded the tax credit contract in 2014.

Jane Ellison: As announced on 7th October, the National Audit Office will be conducting an investigation into HM Revenue and Customs’ contract with Concentrix.

Revenue and Customs: Cumbernauld

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) staff at Cumbernauld Tax Office have been placed in the redeployment pool as a result of HMRC's decision to end its contract with Fujitsu early on that side.

Jane Ellison: In March 2016 HMRC reached an agreement with two of its major suppliers, Capgemini and Fujitsu on a phased exit from its Aspire contract.No HM Revenue and Customs staff based at Cumbernauld were placed into the redeployment pool as a result of this agreement.

Concentrix: Standards

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons (a) HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and (b) his Department have not investigated Concentrix's performance as required in Section 13.1 of the formal contract between HMRC and SYNNEX-Concentrix UK Limited.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs has consistently and regularly reviewed Concentrix performance delivery with regard to all aspects of the contract. There are formal performance review mechanisms built into the contract, including weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reviews. The contract has defined performance metrics, including Quality Performance Indicators, Key Performance Indicators and Standard Performance Indicators which are linked to an appropriate service credit regime (i.e. with payments being reduced if Concentrix fail to perform as required).

Concentrix

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether people with outstanding tax credit claims should contact Concentrix through their helpline or contact HM Revenue and Customs directly.

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, who (a) in his Department and (b) at HM Revenue and Customs has the responsibility for monitoring the Concentrix tax credit contract.

Jane Ellison: People with outstanding tax credit claims should contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The Concentrix contract is managed by the HMRC Commercial Team supported by HMRC Operational Service Management Team.

Concentrix

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of tax credits savings to date which were as a result of erroneous accusations by Concentrix against legitimate tax credit recipients.

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of how much of the tax credit savings to date were a result of erroneous decisions made by Concentrix against legitimate tax credit recipients.

Jane Ellison: Tax credits recipients are entitled to submit a request for Mandatory Reconsideration if a decision made by Concentrix is thought to be incorrect. Often, claimants are required to submit information that had originally been requested as part of a Mandatory Reconsideration. In addition, the performance of Concentrix is monitored by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Any errors in tax credit awards checked by HMRC, including those where no Mandatory Reconsideration request has been submitted, are both reinstated and backdated, and so there are no savings to the Exchequer associated with these cases. HMRC does not have a comprehensive set of information on cases where no mandatory reconsideration has been submitted.

Concentrix: Standards

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the minutes of meetings which were held between Concentrix and (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) his Department for the purposes of monitoring the performance of Concentrix.

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish any performance reviews of the Concentrix tax credit contract conducted by (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) his Department.

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the dates of any meeting which were held between Concentrix and (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) his Department for the purposes of monitoring the performance of Concentrix.

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the minutes of any meeting which were held between Concentrix and (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) his Department for the purposes of monitoring the performance of Concentrix.

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the dates of meetings which were held between Concentrix and (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) his Department for the purposes of monitoring the performance of Concentrix.

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish performance reviews of the Concentrix tax credit contract conducted by (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) his Department.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) uses a wide range of mechanisms to monitor the performance of Concentrix. This includes active supplier management via dedicated commercial and operational teams and against defined targets, regular service delivery reviews and the collation of defined performance management information against targets.As such, meetings (including telephone conferences) are conducted on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis. HM Treasury also monitors the performance of Concentrix in conjunction with HMRC. Given these circumstances specific dates of meetings are not collated and published.HMRC and HM Treasury do not routinely publish details of discussions with external suppliers.

Concentrix

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what timescale has been set for incorrect tax credit withdrawals by Concentrix to be remedied; and what plans he has to compensate claimants for any missing time periods.

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what timescale has been set for incorrect tax credit withdrawals by Concentrix to be remedied; and what plans he has to compensate clamants for any missing time periods.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urgently focusing on resolving the outstanding Concentrix cases. If people feel they have had their tax credits incorrectly withdrawn, they should urgently contact HMRC. HMRC will review all complaint cases and pay redress where appropriate. This will be carried out on a customer by customer basis. Any errors in tax credit awards checked by HMRC, including those where no Mandatory Reconsideration request has been submitted, are both reinstated and backdated.

Concentrix: Standards

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what target his Department had for savings to the public purse from the Concentrix contract; and what the evidential basis for that target was.

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what target his Department set for savings to the public purse from the contract with Concentrix; and what the evidential basis for that target was.

Jane Ellison: Information on the original estimate for the savings can be found on p.35 of the ‘Autumn Statement 2013:policy costings’ document: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263434/autumn_statement_2013_policy_costings.pdf

Concentrix

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to seek compensation from Concentrix to cover the cost of HM Revenue and Customs staff having to resolve tax credit claims (a) to date and (b) for the remaining duration of the contract with Concentrix.

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to seek compensation from Concentrix to cover the cost of HM Revenue and Customs' staff resolving tax credit claims (a) to date and (b) for the remaining duration of the contract with Concentrix.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs and Synnex-Concentrix UK Limited are in discussions to achieve a managed early exit from the contract. There are commercial sensitivities around the details at this time.

Concentrix

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government plans to seek payment from Concentrix to fund any remedial action on erroneous accusations made by Concentrix against legitimate tax credit recipients.

Justin Madders: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government plans to seek payment from Concentrix to fund any remedial action on erroneous decisions made by Concentrix against legitimate tax credit recipients.

Jane Ellison: The contract provides for a commission payment of an initial invoice value, with a subsequent quarterly reconciliation mechanism which takes into account supplier performance via specific Quality Performance Indicators and Key Performance indicators. These are linked to a defined service credit regime which includes accuracy of decisions.Payment to Concentrix is reduced accordingly in line with the service credit regime should they fail to meet this target level of performance.There is also an additional reconciliation process, again linked to the quality of reconsiderations made by Concentrix, which takes into wider account supplier performance and reduces commission payments if appropriate.

Concentrix: Staff

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what information his Department holds on the number of staff Concentrix has employed in the UK in each year since 2014.

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of the backlog of tax credit cases which need to be dealt with by Concentrix and HM Revenue and Customs.

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what support and guidance has been provided by his Department and HM Revenue and Customs to ensure that (a) Concentrix and (b) any body working on behalf of HM Revenue and Customs are aware of their obligations under the Data Protection Act.

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how his Department plans to monitor the performance of Concentrix under its contract with HM Revenue and Customs until the end of its contract.

Jane Ellison: Concentrix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SYNNEX Corporation. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is not responsible for, and does not hold information on, the number of staff Concentrix has employed in the UK in each year since 2014. As organisations conducting activities on behalf of HMRC and handling HMRC citizen information, Concentrix and each of its sub-contractors were made aware of their obligation of confidentiality under S18 of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 and the Data Protection Act. This was done by the signing of corporate and individual non-disclosure agreements at the point of employment; face to face explanations of the requirements for security and confidentiality conducted in the first instance jointly by HMRC and Concentrix trainers. Later in the contract newly recruited employees were trained by Concentrix only trainers. Non-disclosure / confidentiality agreements were also put in place. All of the 181,000 cases taken back by HMRC from Concentrix are now finalised. HMRC is also continuing to work through all requests for Mandatory Reconsiderations of Concentrix decisions. Concentrix is no longer responsible for checking tax credit claims on behalf of HMRC.

Concentrix: Taxation

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much tax Concentrix has paid in the UK in each year since 2014.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a statutory duty of taxpayer confidentiality and may not disclose information except in where the circumstances set out in the statute creating HMRC apply. It is a criminal offence for HMRC staff to unlawfully disclose any information about a taxpayer who is identified in the disclosure or whose identity can be deduced from it.

Concentrix: Standards

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, on what date his Department first received representations that Concentrix was not meeting its performance targets.

Catherine West: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, on what date (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) his Department first received representations that Concentrix was erroneously investigating legitimate tax credit claimants and halting their payments.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs receives a number of representations throughout the year on all aspects of tax credits. Representations increased significantly from mid-August onwards with regards to Concentrix.

Revenue and Customs: Cumbernauld

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, which organisation is expected to meet the cost of redundancy payments to Fujitsu staff at Cumbernald Tax Office who will lose their jobs as a result of the decision of HM Revenue and Customs to end its contract early with Fujitsu at that site.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is in the last stages of a commercial process with suppliers for the provision of Customer Communication (Print) services. The Invitation to Tender (ITT) made it clear that HMRC would consider the prospect of indemnifying supplier redundancy costs up to a capped limit. As HMRC is still in a live commercial process the details are commercially confidential at this stage.

Revenue and Customs: Croydon

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, (a) what proportion of and (b) how many staff at the offices being replaced by the Croydon Regional Centre have been offered exit packages instead of transferring to that Regional Centre.

Jane Ellison: The total number of people affected by the migration to the Croydon Regional Centre is 925. Of these, 48 (5.18%) are unable to travel to the Regional Centre and have been offered an Exit package.

Revenue and Customs: Sick Leave

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the most recent policy guidance from HM Revenue and Customs on managing poor attendance came into force.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs’ most recent policy and guidance on managing attendance came into force on 26 September 2016.

Wells Fargo

Phil Boswell: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on Wells Fargo bank.

Simon Kirby: Treasury Ministers and officials meet regularly with the Financial Conduct Authority to discuss relevant regulatory issues. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Treasury's practice to provide details of all such discussions.

Wells Fargo

Phil Boswell: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has met representatives of Wells Fargo bank to discuss the selling of financial products by that bank.

Simon Kirby: The Chancellor has not met with representatives of Wells Fargo bank.

Lloyds Banking Group: Credit

Phil Boswell: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the reported £16 billion set aside by Lloyds Banking Group for the mis-selling of payment protection insurance.

Simon Kirby: Treasury Ministers and officials meet regularly with the Financial Conduct Authority to discuss relevant regulatory issues. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Treasury's practice to provide details of all such discussions.

Financial Services: Organised Crime

Roger Mullin: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what information his Department holds on the number of financial services firms registered with the Financial Conduct Authority which have been identified by the US Department of Homeland Security as being elements of transnational criminal organisations.

Simon Kirby: This is an operational matter for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), who are operationally independent from Government. The question has been passed on to the FCA. The FCA will reply directly to the honourable member by letter. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Money Laundering

Roger Mullin: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what measures (a) the Government, (b) law enforcement agencies and (c) financial regulators have put in place to ensure that unregulated payments are not being used for money laundering.

Simon Kirby: The UK has a comprehensive anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing (AML/CTF) regime and we are committed to ensuring our financial system is a hostile environment for illicit finances. The international AML/CTF standards, set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), form the basis of EU legislation, which is incorporated into various pieces of UK law, predominantly the Money Laundering Regulations (2007). There are over 150,000 businesses regulated under the Money Laundering Regulations. This includes financial institutions, lawyers, accountants, casinos and high value dealers. Virtual currencies are not currently regulated in the UK for AML purposes, but the UK announced at the March 2015 Budget the intention to bring virtual currency exchanges into the scope of AML/CTF regulations and this is taking place as part of the 4th Money Laundering Directive (4MLD). Our law enforcement agencies investigate money laundering regardless of the payment methods used. The Action Plan for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist finance, published in April 2016, set out how the Government will strengthen the law enforcement response to money laundering, including through the creation of tough new powers. The Criminal Finances Bill, currently before Parliament, will deliver this commitment.

Financial Services: ICT

Roger Mullin: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the Government's policy is on oversight of globally operating electronic payment systems using virtual UK places of business.

Simon Kirby: There is a robust regulatory regime in place that ensures that appropriate payment systems have regulatory oversight from a financial stability and a competition perspective. The Banking Act 2009 gives the Treasury the power to specify any inter-bank payment systems to be within the scope of oversight of the Bank of England where disruption to these systems could threaten the stability of the UK financial system, or have serious consequences for business or other interests in the UK. The Government intends to further strengthen the framework for regulatory oversight through an amendment made to the Digital Economy Bill. This will broaden the types of payment systems that HM Treasury can designate for supervision by the Bank of England to include non-bank payment systems, such as a digital currency network. This will ensure that the Treasury and the Bank of England can respond in a prompt and appropriate manner should a non-bank payment system grow rapidly and become systemically important. There are no such systems at present that the Treasury would wish to specify for supervision. In addition to this, in April 2015 a new Payment Systems Regulator was launched as the economic regulator for the UK’s payment systems industry, with the objectives of promoting competition, innovation and the interest of end users in the sector.

Tax evasion

Roger Mullin: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how (a) the Government, (b) law enforcement agencies and (c) financial regulators prevent the use of unregulated payments systems for the purpose of UK tax evasion.

Jane Ellison: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) works with a wide range of Government partners, law enforcement agencies and financial regulatory bodies to identify new and emerging risk areas, including the potential abuse of regulated payment systems or the development of unregulated payment systems, which could facilitate tax evasion. HMRC contributed extensively to the development of the UK’s National Risk Assessment for Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, which included identification of risks associated with traditional and non-traditional payment systems. HMRC uses its own supervisory powers under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 to work closely with its supervised entities to ensure they have processes and systems in place to identify potential abuses of payment systems regardless of the predicate criminality, albeit, HMRC can share specific indicators of risk associated with tax evasion. This allows HMRC to take a multi-faceted approach to monitor and respond to risk using the full range of its civil investigation, criminal investigation and supervisory capabilities. HMRC also works with international partners such as the money laundering supervisory bodies in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the Financial Action Taskforce, and the OECD’s Taskforce on Tax Crimes.

VAT

Grant Shapps: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential effect on the economy of reductions in the rate of VAT.

Jane Ellison: Although HM Treasury keeps all taxes under review, there are no plans for potential reductions in the rate of VAT.

Corporation Tax

Grant Shapps: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will make an assessment of the effect on the economy of potential reductions in the rate of corporation tax.

Jane Ellison: Government modelling suggests that cuts to corporation tax since 2010 could boost long-run GDP by up to 1.3%.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Companies: Ownership

Margaret Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the register of persons with significant control, what proportion of returns from companies have listed another company rather than an individual as the persons with significant control.

Margot James: As at 10 October 2016, the number of accepted filings from companies that have listed another company, rather than an individual as the people with significant control (PSC) is 66,304, equating to 8.4% of the 785,616 total number of accepted filings from companies that have listed PSC details.

Research: EU Grants and Loans

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether UK-based research institutions will be able to access the EU's Horizon 2020 programme until 2020; and if he will make a statement.

Joseph Johnson: UK-based researchers can continue to apply for competitive EU research funding through the Horizon 2020 programme while we remain a member of the EU. We will work with the Commission to ensure payment when funds are awarded. The Treasury will underwrite the payment of such awards, even when specific projects continue beyond the UK’s departure from the EU. Access to apply to Horizon 2020 after we leave the EU will be a matter for the negotiations that will follow the triggering of Article 50.

Magnox Reactors

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the reasons are for the increase in costs of £1.6 billion by Cavendish Fluor Partnership for the clean-up project for 12 Magnox reactors.

Jesse Norman: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA’s) contract with Cavendish Fluor Partnership (CFP) contains a provision to allow for a period of consolidation between the NDA and CFP, ensuring the contract is in line with delivery on the ground. The NDA’s consolidation process has not yet concluded and therefore it is not appropriate to comment on this figure.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of management of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in response to the judgement arising from Energy Solutions EU Limited and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority of 29 July 2016; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is Government’s primary assurance body providing challenge and oversight of the site’s major projects and procurements. Government monitors the NDA closely to hold it to account, ensure it is delivering high quality work and that it is value for money. The NDA has sought leave to appeal the 29 July judgement. It is therefore not appropriate for the Government to comment further.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the cost to the public purse was of the (a) legal and (b) associated costs in the case of EnergySolutions EU Limited and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Jesse Norman: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has sought leave to appeal the 29 July judgement. It is therefore not appropriate for the Government to comment further.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to improve the procurement process in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in response to the judgement arising from EnergySolutions EU Limited and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority of 29 July 2016.

Jesse Norman: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has sought leave to appeal the 29 July judgement. It is therefore not appropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration his Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Margot James: Assessing the impact of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy policies on families is an integral part of policy development in the Department.Being able to analyse properly the impact of polices in relation to particular groups is a fundamental part of good policy-making.Rights, freedoms and protections for children are considered throughout policy-making. This is done through:The Equalities Analysis, which ensures that decision-makers understand the impact on protected groups.a Family Test that helps us to understand the impact of new policies on families and children.

Coal Authority

Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many times government ministers have met the Coal Authority in the last two years.

Jesse Norman: The Coal Authority has met with Government Ministers four times in the last two years.The Minister of State for Energy met the Coal Authority on three occasions between October 2014 and October 2016:6 January 201516 December 201525 October 2016 The Coal Authority also met the then Under-Secretary of State Environment and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart) on 20 November 2015.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Apprentices

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many apprenticeships have been created in his Department in each region in each of the last five years; and how many participants in those apprenticeships subsequently secured a job within the Civil Service.

Margot James: The data shows apprenticeships offered to newly recruited staff for the former Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the former Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) which merged to form the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on 14 July 2016.  20122013201420152016BIS apprentices recruited in London21111188BIS apprentices recruited in Cardiff00002BIS apprentices who subsequently secured a job in the Civil ServiceNot knownNot known1118Not yet completed apprenticeshipDECC apprentices recruited in London411911DECC apprentices who subsequently secured a job in the Civil Service4116Not yet completed apprenticeship The apprentices recruited to former BIS in 2014 and 2015 were all recruited as part of the fast track apprenticeship scheme, in to permanent Civil Service posts.6 of the apprentices recruited to former DECC in 2015 were recruited as part of the fast track apprenticeship scheme, in to permanent Civil Service posts.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Iron and Steel

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent estimate he has made of the level of procurement of British steel by his Department in the last 12 months.

Mr Nick Hurd: Over the last year Government has acted to level the playing field for UK steel producers in light of the complex global challenges faced by the UK steel sector. Last December Government issued guidance to central government departments on how to ensure that they take full account of the value provided by UK steel producers when conducting their procurement activities. This guidance is also being extended to the wider public sector.

Energy: Imports

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure energy imported from the EU is not subject to tariffs after the UK leaves the EU.

Jesse Norman: The current EU applied tariff rate on imports of crude oil, natural gas and coal is zero.The decision on whether energy imported into the UK should be subject to tariffs once the UK has left the EU will be for the UK only to make. For reasons of economic competitiveness and energy security and consistent with our support for an open trade policy regime, it is unlikely that the Government would wish to impose tariffs on energy imports.

Trident Submarines: Iron and Steel

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2016 to Question 49056, when he was made aware that French steel was being used to build the Trident successor submarines.

Mr Nick Hurd: Holding answer received on 02 November 2016



This procurement predates the Government’s steel procurement reforms. Since December 2015, and the publication of steel specific procurement guidance, departments including the Ministry of Defence, are now required to ensure that relevant social and economic factors are taken into account in their procurements, to help ensure UK firms can compete on a level playing field.

Solar Power: Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to announce the results of the consultation on proposals to remove solar panels from the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Jesse Norman: We are currently analysing responses to the consultation on reforms to the Renewable Heat Incentive and will be publishing a formal response in due course.

Mineworkers' Pension Scheme

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2016 to Question 48677, how much the Government has received from the Mineworkers' Pensions Scheme since 1994 net of payments from the Government arising from its guarantee.

Jesse Norman: In its role as Guarantor, the Government has received £3,356.3m from the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme since 1994. No payments have been made into the scheme by the Government. The existing surplus-sharing arrangements have worked well to date, with the presence of the Guarantee enabling the Trustees to invest in a way that has generated surpluses and, as a consequence, bonuses to members.

Carbon Sequestration: Research

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what research is being conducted by the Government on carbon capture technologies.

Jesse Norman: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Mineworkers' Pension Scheme

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government has made direct payments to the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme under the guarantee arrangements.

Jesse Norman: No payments have been made into the scheme by the Government.

Retail Trade: West Midlands

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans his Department has for invigorating high street trading in the West Midlands in the next 12 months.

Margot James: We are committed to ensuring that high streets throughout the country remain at the heart of their community and we have taken significant actions to help high streets adapt and thrive through a range of targeted tax breaks, sensible planning changes and measures to ensure fairer parking for motorists.At Budget 2016 we announced the biggest ever cut in business rates – worth £6.7 billion across the next five years. The Government is permanently doubling the level of Small Business Rate Relief and increasing the thresholds to benefit a greater number of property occupiers. Eligible properties with a rateable value of £12,000 and below will receive 100% relief. This means that 600,000 small businesses will pay no business rates at all, including local high street shops. Furthermore, the revaluation of Business Rates will ensure business rate bills more closely reflect the property market and that all businesses are getting a fair deal. The revaluation will reduce bills in the West Midlands by 7% before inflation and transitional relief. This will reduce bills by almost £170m per year. The biggest winners are in offices which will see bills falls by 16% and retail which will see bills fall by 11%.We have also given over £18 million to town teams since 2010, including Redditch, funding successful initiatives such “Love Your Local Market” and the “Great British High Street Competition”. The finalists for the 2016 Awards include Derby, Hinckley, Market Harborough, Bridgnorth, and Leominster. The winners will be announced in December.

Fracking

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make it his policy to simplify planning and administrative processes required before exploratory drilling can take place for shale gas.

Jesse Norman: Before shale operations begin, it is important that a developer is required to obtain all the necessary permissions, including planning and environmental permits. The UK has an effective planning system to consider and scrutinise unconventional oil and gas developments. On 16 September 2015, the Government published a joint Written Ministerial Statement[1] to make the planning system faster and fairer for those affected by new development, recognising that no one benefits from uncertainty caused by delay. We will keep the regulatory regime for shale under review as the industry develops to ensure it is proportionate and fit for purpose.  [1] http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2015-09-16/HCWS202/

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Working Hours

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many officials of his Department have opted out of the EU Working Time Directive.

Margot James: The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy does not record centrally the number of officials who have opted out of the EU Working Time Directive and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Economic Growth

Dr Paul Monaghan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department has taken to develop a long-term strategy for business growth after the UK's decision to leave the EU.

Margot James: We are creating a business environment that supports growth and encourages long-term investment; as well as a dynamic economy with open and competitive markets. This has included backing business by cutting corporation tax to 17% by 2020, slashing red tape by a further £10 billion and major investments in the UK’s research infrastructure.We are also in the process of developing an Industrial Strategy that will embrace the opportunities of our new global role and upgrade our economy so it works for everyone. We will work with the breadth of British industry, local leaders, innovators, employees and consumers to deliver a successful strategy and create the conditions for future success.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Syria: Air Space

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with UN member counterparts on the potential introduction of a no-fly zone over Syria.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: ​​As I made clear in answer of 17 October 2016 (PQ48292), we are working hard with members of the international community to consider all options including no-fly zones, which could improve the situation in Syria. Our discussions have been with like-minded countries. The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson), hosted a meeting of like-minded partners on 16 October in London and the UK hosted a meeting of like-minded Syria Envoys and representatives on 24 October in London. We recognise that the action of imposing no-fly zones carries significant risk and requires further study.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in his Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has had the following senior civil service graded posts based outside London in each year since 2014:-  201420152016Deputy Director211Proportion1.9%1.2%1.2% We do not have any senior civil service graded posts classified as (i) assistant director, (ii) team leader and (iii) policy manager.We have not included senior civil service graded posts overseas.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration his Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Alok Sharma: I refer the Hon. Member to the response the Minister of State for Vulnerable Children and Families, my Hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Edward Timpson), gave to PQ50471 and add the following.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office promotes respect for human rights, including the rights of children, throughout the world. British Embassies and High Commissions monitor and raise human rights issues, including children's rights, in their host countries. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also works through the United Nations and other multilateral fora to encourage respect for children's rights as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.Protecting children from violence and abuse is a particular focus of our work with the United Kingdom's Overseas Territories (OTs). In February 2015 the Government established the Child Safeguarding Unit to work in partnership with the governments of the OTs to support their efforts to strengthen child safeguarding systems, where the protection of children's rights remains primarily the responsibility of territory governments. At the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council last year OT leaders committed to lead national responses and to ensure child-centred and coordinated approaches to safeguarding. The Council will meet this year in London from 1-2 November and will be hosted by the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my noble Friend, the Rt Hon. the Baroness Anelay of St Johns DBE, who will co-chair a discussion on good governance and human rights (including children's rights) with the Solicitor General.

Royal Yacht

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 October 2016 to Question 47643, what estimate his Department has made of the number of times a new Royal Yacht would have to be used for trade promotion to represent a good return on investment.

Alok Sharma: The Government is determined to deliver on its ambition for stronger global trade. Whilst it is important to recognise the iconic role the Royal Yacht played during its period of service, commissioning a new Royal Yacht is not on the Government's agenda. As a result, this Department has not undertaken a cost/benefit analysis of deploying a Royal Yacht for trade promotion.There is nothing to prevent private enterprise from proposing and building a new yacht for the UK to use for trade support, overseas visits and humanitarian reasons.

British Indian Ocean Territory: UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Dr Paul Monaghan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 August 2016 to Question 45523, for what reasons the Government has not ratified the Convention for extension to the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Sir Alan Duncan: The British Government's ratification of the UN International Convention of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has been extended to all of the permanently inhabited Overseas Territories. It has not been extended to the British Indian Ocean Territory as there is no permanent resident population.

British Indian Ocean Territory: UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Dr Paul Monaghan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 August 2016 to Question 45523, what plans he has to provide a response to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination's recommendation (CERD/C/GBR//CO18-20) on the British Indian Ocean Territory and the Chagossians.

Sir Alan Duncan: The UK has not extended its ratification of the UN International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to the British Indian Ocean Territory, and therefore considers questions relating to the Territory to be outside the remit of the Committee.

Ilois: Resettlement

Dr Paul Monaghan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 August 2016 to Question 45523, what steps he plans to take to update Parliament, Chagossians and others on progress on the issues discussed in that Answer.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Government will announce developments to Parliament and the public before the end of the year.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Iron and Steel

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of the level of procurement of British steel by his Department in the last 12 months.

Sir Alan Duncan: We are unable to provide a break down of the data for the provenance of steel procured in uk and overseas without incurring disproportionate cost.

Ukraine: Religious Freedom

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will have discussions with his counterparts in other EU member states on ensuring that the observance of the right to freedom of belief and religion is being upheld in Ukraine.

Sir Alan Duncan: ​The Ukrainian Government has made progress in addressing the poor legacy it inherited on human rights, as part of its broader reform programme, including ensuring that religious institutions are free to practise their religion within the framework of Ukrainian law. The UK regularly discusses all aspects of human rights in Ukraine with EU partners, including the ongoing deterioration of human rights, in Crimea, since its illegal annexation by the Russian Federation in 2014.

Kenya: Diplomatic Service

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the British High Commissioner to Kenya on the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for parties and drinks events held at the British High Commission and consulates in Kenya.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not discussed the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for official events with the British High Commissioner or British Ambassador in any of the named countries.

Uganda: Diplomatic Service

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the British High Commissioner to Uganda on the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for parties and drinks events held at the British High Commission in Uganda.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not discussed the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for official events with the British High Commissioner or British Ambassador in any of the named countries.

Tanzania: Diplomatic Service

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the British High Commissioner to Tanzania on the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for parties and drinks events held at the British High Commission in Tanzania.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not discussed the acceptance of donations for corporate sponsorship for official events with the British High Commissioner or British Ambassador in any of the named countries.

Libya: Terrorism

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of Libya on compensation for UK victims of Gaddafi-sponsored IRA violence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We continue to emphasise to the Libyan authorities the importance we attach to this issue, and how we want to see a solution. The Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance of resolving legacy issues to Prime Minister Serraj during the Libya Ministerial in London on 31 October. I raised the issue of compensation with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq on 31 October in London and Prime Minister Fayez Serraj when we met in Tunis in November last year. Legacy issues were also raised with Foreign Minister Siala in the margins of the former Foreign Secretary's visit to Tripoli in April. I have also written to the Libyans seeking an update on legacy issues. However, given that the Minister of Justice post is currently vacant and the present challenges facing Libya, I do not anticipate a swift response.

Venezuela: Conflict, Stability and Security Fund

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which projects in Venezuela have received funds from the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

Sir Alan Duncan: There are no projects in Venezuela that have received, or are currently receiving, funding from the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).

Diplomatic Service: Donors

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the Government's policy is on UK embassies, high commissions and consulates accepting donations from private companies and for hosting events.

Sir Alan Duncan: British embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world may accept corporate sponsorship for events that they host from a range of organisations and companies, in order to reduce the cost to the British taxpayer. The Foreign and Commonwelath Office (FCO) provides guidance to Heads of Mission on assessing the suitability of potential sponsors for events. Our missions must act with integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality and consider value for money. Acceptance of sponsorship must not create any expectation or obligation of influence.

Syria: Christianity

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the treatment of Christians in Syria.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We follow the situation in Syria closely, including the situation for minorities. We recognise the situation is desperate for many communities across the country, including Christians. A number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the independent UN Commission of Inquiry have highlighted the dangers facing Christians and other minorities at the hands of Daesh.We condemn in the strongest terms the atrocities committed by Daesh against all civilians, including Christians and other minorities, as well as the majority Muslim population in Syria. Ultimately, the best way of safeguarding minority rights in the region is by defeating Daesh and establishing peace and stability in the region. The UK has been at the forefront of these efforts, and has a comprehensive strategy to deal with Daesh.The UK believes that a transition away from the Asad regime is needed to bring about a sustainable peace in Syria which allows the protection of all Syrians, including minorities.

Syria: Christianity

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to enable Christians to stay in Syria.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The UK continues to work for a sustainable political settlement in Syria, based on transition away from the Asad regime, to create a state in which all groups in Syria's rich and diverse society can be safe.We are a core member of the International Syria Support Group which has agreed that protecting the rights of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious denomination, is fundamental. We continue to support the Syrian moderate opposition which includes representatives from religious and ethnic minority groups. Through Foreign and Commonwealth Office programmes we also support non-governmental efforts to promote dialogue between different ethnic and sectarian groups and education on tolerance, integration and pluralism.

Northern Ireland Office

Northern Ireland Office: Iron and Steel

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent estimate he has made of the level of procurement of British steel by his Department in the last 12 months.

Kris Hopkins: My Department has not procured any steel, British or non-British, in the last 12 months.

Charter for Northern Ireland

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment the Northern Ireland Office has made of the performance to date of Charter N.I; and if he will make a statement.

James Brokenshire: The Northern Ireland Office provides no financial support to Charter NI and has no involvement in any of its projects. I am therefore not in a position to make any assessment of its performance. Oversight of the performance of Charter NI is a matter for those Northern Ireland Executive departments, and other bodies/organisations, which provide them with funding.

Attorney General

Attorney General: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Attorney General, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in the Law Officers' Departments classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Robert Buckland: In the Law Officers’ Departments the proportion of Senior Civil Service staff classified as Deputy Director or SCS Pay Band 1 based outside London over the period requested was as follows: 2014 AGOCPSSFOGLDHMCPSI  Total (i)17101071Outside London00010%0%0%0%0.93%0%  2015AGOCPSSFOGLDHMCPSITotal (i)18121141Outside London00050%0%0%0%4.3%0% 2016AGOCPSSFOGLDHMCPSI  Total (i)110101171Outside London01050%0%10%0%4.27%0% There are no staff across the Law Officers’ Department’s that are classified as assistant director, team leader or policy manager.

Attorney General: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Attorney General, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration the Law Officers' Departments have given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Robert Buckland: The Law Officers' Departments are fully committed to considering the impact on children of all new policies and legislation. The Law Officers' Departments are primarily operational and do not routinely make policy and legislation.The Crown Prosecution Service publishes a range of legal guidance which can be found on its website http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/index.html.Since May 2015, the Crown Prosecution Service has published revised guidelines on prosecuting cases involving communications sent via social media and prosecuting indecent images of children. Additional guidance to prosecutors has been published in relation to the possession of a paedophile manual and female genital mutilation. The policies were carefully developed to ensure compatibility with human rights. The policies were consulted on, including consultation with key groups such as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Victim Support or other key stakeholders.The CPS is committed to ensuring that child victims and witnesses are given as much support as possible during the criminal justice process and are working in partnership with other agencies to achieve this.

Department for International Development

Department for International Development: Apprentices

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many apprenticeships have been created in her Department in each region in each of the last five years; and how many participants in those apprenticeships subsequently secured a job within the Civil Service.

Rory Stewart: In light of the Government’s manifesto commitment to achieve three million new apprenticeship starts in England by the end of the Parliament, the Cabinet Office will be centrally collecting data on apprenticeships to allow the Civil Service to report on its contribution towards the national target. In line with these commitments DFID’s targets are set as: Year2016/172017/182018/192019/20DFID’s target20212122With current in year planning DFID will exceed the target set for 2016/17. Type of Apprenticeship/ LocationFast TrackOperational DeliveryTotalEast Kilbride8311London8614Totals16925 DFID’s commitment to central Government apprenticeships started during 2015/16, details as below. These apprenticeships will not finish until at least July 2017 and it is too early to know how many will secure a job within the Civil Service. Type of Apprenticeship/ locationFast TrackOperational DeliveryTotalsEast Kilbride369 DFID did sponsor two internal apprenticeships in 2012; both were successful in retaining employment with DFID.

Department for International Development: Iron and Steel

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent estimate she has made of the level of procurement of British steel by her Department in the last 12 months.

Rory Stewart: DFID does not procure steel.

Department for Education

Further Education: Qualifications

Mr Khalid Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the evidential basis is for the Government's policy that there should be one technical certificate offered by only one awarding organisation; and what assessment she has made of the risks for post-16 education of that policy.

Robert Halfon: Following the Wolf Report[1], the Government removed thousands of low-quality qualifications that were not valued by employers from accountability measures. However, as highlighted in the Technical Education Reform Case for Change[2], there is still a confusing array of qualifications available to learners and employers, who struggle to identify which are appropriate for their skills needs. Learners are also faced with variation within programmes and training methods vary widely. The Independent Panel on Technical Education, chaired by Lord Sainsbury[3], was formed to advise the Government on measures that could improve technical education in England. Through considering best practice in the UK and internationally, and consultation with employers, providers and young people, the Independent Panel recommended moving away from the current awarding organisation market model, where qualifications that deliver similar but different outcomes compete with one another, and instead adopt a licensing approach[4]. The Government has accepted this recommendation based on the evidence set out in the Panel’s report[5] and through considering its own evidence base as set out in the Technical Education Reform Case for Change. In particular, the Panel identified evidence that suggested ‘the current system of awarding organisations which operate in many parts of the UK (but works differently in Scotland) has very serious drawbacks. The proliferation of competing qualifications in England and Northern Ireland undermines the labour market value of vocational qualifications, and prevents employers from engaging effectively in the construction of qualifications.[6]’ The Panel also examined international technical education systems, finding our market-based approach to awarding qualifications appeared to be unique. Based on the evidence considered, the Panel believe that the simplicity and clarity offered by a licensing approach would bring many advantages to employers and individuals alike. The Government is undertaking further work to fully understand the benefits and effectively mitigate any risks this new approach may pose to post-16 education. [1] Wolf, A. (2011), Review of Vocational Education – The Wolf Report. (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/180504/DFE-00031-2011.pdf)[2] Page 17, Department for Education (2016), Technical education reform: the case for change. (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/536048/Technical_Education_Reform_-_Case_For_Change.pdf)[3] Department for Education (2016), Report of the Independent Panel on Technical Education.( https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/536046/Report_of_the_Independent_Panel_on_Technical_Education.pdf)[4] Page 43, Department for Education (2016), Report of the Independent Panel on Technical Education[5] Page 6, Department for Education (2016), Post-16 Skills Plan. (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/536043/Post-16_Skills_Plan.pdf)[6] Page 42, Department for Education (2016), Report of the Independent Panel on Technical Education

Apprentices

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how she plans to measure the effectiveness of the apprenticeships programme.

Robert Halfon: The programme aims to achieve three million apprenticeship starts by 2020 and raise the quality of apprenticeships. We have a range of measures to assess the effectiveness of the programme, including data on the wage returns to apprenticeships, as well as annual surveys of apprentices and employers. For example, our data shows that, on average, achieving a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship boosts an individual’s earnings by 11% and 16% respectively. According to our latest survey, 76% of employers say that apprenticeships improve their productivity. These reports are published at the links below:https://www.aoc.co.uk/sites/default/files/BIS%20Estimation_of_the_labour_market_returns_to_qualifications_gained_in_English_Further_Education_-_Final_-_November_2014.pdfhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-evaluation-2015-learner-and-employer-surveys We are working with employers and others to develop our approach towards capturing the benefits of the programme.

Education: Travellers

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she plans to form the expert panel for Gypsy, Traveller and Roma education; and who will be invited to participate in that panel.

Nick Gibb: The Government is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to progress and succeed at school. There are a number of factors that influence the educational outcomes of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils and the Department is exploring the drivers for improving attainment. The Department will share its plans in due course.

Archaeology: GCE A-level

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the potential effect of withdrawal of the archaeology A-level on the number of students taking that subject at undergraduate level.

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the potential effect of withdrawal of the history of art A-level on the number of students taking that subject at undergraduate level.

Nick Gibb: It is disappointing that AQA has taken the decision to withdraw from offering these subjects at A level. Neither subject, however, is a pre-requisite for degree level study, and both are taken by a relatively small number of students.The option for AQA or another exam board to develop A level specifications for these subjects in future will also remain open. We are in discussion with the exam boards on this issue.

English Baccalaureate

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of recommendations made by the Bacc for the Future campaign before deciding which subjects to include in the English baccalaureate.

Nick Gibb: The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) comprises the core academic curriculum: English, mathematics, the sciences (including computer science), history or geography and a language. The subjects are closely based on the facilitating subjects at A level, which the Russell Group of universities say keep a wide range of degree courses open to students. The Government believes that, alongside the EBacc, all pupils should have access to an excellent, well-rounded education and the arts are central to this. All schools, including academies and free schools, must provide a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils. We expect all schools to offer a wide range of options alongside the EBacc which has been designed to be limited in size so that there is flexibility for pupils to take additional GCSEs that reflect their own individual interests and strengths. We are considering the responses to the consultation on the implementation of the EBacc, including those from the Bacc for the Future campaign, and we will publish the government response in due course.

Mandarin Language

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 10 October 2016 to Question 46637, how the initial 14 schools were selected for that programme; and where the other 12 schools are situated.

Nick Gibb: In addition to the two schools in the Midlands (cited in the answer to PQ 46637), there are eight schools in London and the surrounding area, one in the East of England, one in the South, one in the South East, and one in the North West, on the Mandarin Excellence Programme. A full list of these schools can be found at: https://ciforschools.wordpress.com/mep-schools/ The first group of schools that started the programme in 2016 were selected on the basis of their good track record in teaching Mandarin Chinese and their capacity to meet the demanding conditions of the programme, including that pupils study the language for eight hours a week.

Social Mobility

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what criteria were used to select the first six social mobility opportunity areas; and if she will publish the evidence that that decision was based on.

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what ranking her Department gave to Stoke-on-Trent relative to other local authority areas in the assessment made against criteria used to select the six social mobility opportunity areas.

Nick Gibb: The first six Opportunity Areas were selected from two different published data sets: the Social Mobility Commission’s Social Mobility Index and the data used to rank local authority districts on school performance and capacity in the March White Paper.The Social Mobility Commission’s Index ranks 324 local authority districts based on a range of measures grouped under four headings: early years, school, youth and adulthood. We cross-referenced the lowest performing districts according to that index with our school performance and capacity data. This provided a shortlist from which we chose the first six areas.We want to learn from what works in these areas, capturing which challenges all areas share and what is unique to a particular place. Therefore, the selection of these initial six areas was not based on ranking but a range of factors including regional spread and the type of area.Social Mobility Index:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-mobility-index Analysis Education white paper, Educational excellence everywhere:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/educational-excellence-everywhere Achieving Excellence Area Composite Indicator:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defining-achieving-excellence-areas-methodology

Children: Day Care

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what mechanisms her Department has for ensuring that local authorities manage their childcare funding effectively.

Caroline Dinenage: We are currently considering all responses to our recent consultation on proposals for a national funding formula for the early years. These proposals will ensure that funding for the early years is based on the costs of meeting the needs of local children, not on historic spending patterns. As we implement our proposals, which will be set out in the government’s response to the consultation in the autumn, we will closely monitor and review the impact to ensure that local authorities and providers are able to deliver the childcare entitlements in a sustainable way. We have also recently appointed Childcare Works as a delivery contractor to work with, and to monitor, local authorities on their preparedness for delivery of the 30-hours offer of free childcare for working parents.

Children: Day Care

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the cost to her Department was of commissioning Frontier Economics to develop a framework for measuring the impact of the new entitlement for free childcare.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department has demonstrated its commitment to evaluating the longer-term impact of the free entitlement, by publishing an evaluation feasibility study in February 2016, and gaining independent advice on the data and methods open to us. Frontier Economics was commissioned by the Department to undertake this work at a cost of £14,850 (exclusive of tax). We have since commissioned an independent evaluation of Early Implementation of the 30 hours free childcare entitlement. This evaluation will focus on generating learning that can be used by Early Implementers and all local authorities ahead of national rollout in September 2017. It will be carried out by Frontier Economics working with NatCen Social Research and Ivana La Valle (an independent researcher). We will use the learning from the early implementers to continue to inform the full-roll out of the entitlement.

Children: Day Care

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if her Department will publish the data that it is using to measure the effectiveness of the free childcare entitlement in increasing the employment rates of parents.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department is developing plans to measure the success of the new entitlement, including its effectiveness in increasing the employment rates of parents, once it is in ‘steady state’ following the full rollout of the scheme from September 2017.

Children: Day Care

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken to ensure that local authorities are updating and improving access to their Family Information Service in preparation for introduction of the new childcare entitlement.

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she has taken to ensure that local authorities are aware of their duty to provide sufficient accessible information to parents on their entitlement to free childcare.

Caroline Dinenage: We conducted a full public consultation this year on the delivery model for implementing the expansion of the free entitlement to childcare offer to 30 hours for working parents of 3 and 4 year-olds. The consultation sought views on the changes that will be required of local authorities, and their Family Information Services, for ensuring better access to childcare information for parents and for ensuring the information is current. We published draft statutory guidance for local authorities and draft regulations with the consultation to clearly signal the envisaged changes to the current arrangements and we expect to publish the consultation response shortly.We are engaging regularly with local authorities to ensure appropriate awareness of the change in the duty, including at the recent National Association of Family Information Services’ annual conference We will continue to work closely with local authorities to implement the changes required for the 30 hours free childcare entitlement.

Schools: Finance

Michael Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what timetable has been set by her Department for the Government's response to the consultation on the new national funding formula.

Michael Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what timetable has been set by her Department for the implementation of the new national funding formula.

Nick Gibb: We will publish our response to the first stage of our consultation on a national funding formula for schools and for pupils with high needs later this year. At the same time we will put forward our detailed proposals on the design of the formula, and illustrate how this affects individual areas and schools. Following the full consultation, we will make final decisions and confirm arrangements in the new year. The new system will be in place from April 2018.

Higher Education: Finance

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 18 October 2016 to Question 47306, what assessment she has made of whether the proportion of overseas fee income received over the next five years will remain at or be above the level received in 2014-15.

Joseph Johnson: No assessment has been made of the proportion of overseas fee income received by institutions over the next five years. However, in autumn 2015 as part of the Spending Review and Autumn Statement, the following estimates of fee income from non-EU students were published based on forecasts by English universities. These compare to £3,583 million of overseas (non-EU) fee income in the academic year 2014/15. English Higher Education InstitutionsForecasts of student numbers and associated incomeAcademic Year 2015/16 – 2019/20  2015/162016/172017/182018/192019/20Total growthNon-EU income (£m)3,8004,2004,6004,7004,9001,000Source: English universities’ forecasts, Higher Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE). Figures may not sum due to rounding.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/479749/52229_Blue_Book_PU1865_Web_Accessible.pdf

Schools: Luton

Mr Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of demand for school places for (a) boys and (b) girls in Luton in the next five years.

Nick Gibb: Local authorities are responsible for ensuring sufficient school places for pupils, including accurately forecasting demand. The Department collects forecasts of future demand for pupil places from each local authority, covering the next five years, through the annual school capacity survey (SCAP). Local authorities do not distinguish the gender of pupils within this data.The latest published SCAP data, relating to the position as reported at May 2015, can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-capacity-academic-year-2014-to-2015. Local authority level data for pupil forecasts can be found in tables A5 for primary and A6 for secondary. This data covers the periods 2015 to 2019 for primary and 2015 to 2021 for secondary.

Saint Anne's High School for Girls

Mr Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much her Department spent on developing and supporting the Saint Anne's High School for Girls free school project in Luton prior to its cancellation.

Edward Timpson: In line with the Government’s transparency agenda the Department’s policy is to publish expenditure data in a manner helpful to the public. With that in mind we publish the full pre-opening revenue cost of cancelled or withdrawn free school projects once the amount of expenditure has been finalised. Once it has been finalised, the expenditure for Saint Anne’s High School for Girls will be published on: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/revenue-expenditure-for-free-schools

Government Departments: Equality

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2016 to Question 48637, how the Government Equalities Office ensures compliance with its obligations under Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 relating to the public sector equality duty.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government Equalities Office seeks to ensure that it takes into account equality when conducting its day to day work; in particular, it seeks to ensure that decision makers show due regard under section 149 to the equality impact of policies and services within its remit.

Department for Education: Working Hours

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many officials of her Department have opted out of the EU Working Time Directive.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department currently has 44 active records of individuals who have opted out of the EU Working Time Directive.

Pre-school Education: Teachers

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reasons teachers with early-years teacher status do not have qualified teaching status.

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what incentives are in place for teachers to achieve early-years teaching status rather than qualified teaching status.

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what promotion opportunities are available to teachers with qualified teaching status but not to teachers with early-years teacher status.

Caroline Dinenage: Early years teachers are specialists in early childhood development, trained to lead education and care for children from birth to five years. The department believes the status of Early Years Teachers is an important matter. We value the work that Early Years Teachers do and are looking at ways to continue to raise their status and recognition amongst employers and parents. Early Years Teachers are graduates responsible for organising and leading high quality practice in early years settings and have an understanding of the educational continuum through Key Stages 1 and 2. Individuals with QTS are able to teach all age ranges, however, the award of qualified teacher status does not guarantee any particular promotion opportunities. It is for schools to decide which staff to promote. Due to the diverse nature of the early years sector, staffing structures vary greatly and there is no single career path for early years teachers. We are considering, as part of the development of an early years workforce strategy, how government can support the sector to create career paths that help staff maximise their potential and forge a successful career within early years. The workforce strategy will consider and look to build on action the government already takes to attract quality staff into the early years, including the £7,000 of funding we provide to cover course fees, and bursaries of up to £5,000 for eligible trainees. We also currently support employers to help with staff training by contributing £7,000 for costs incurred by the employer.

Higher Education: Birmingham

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many higher-education students are living in (a) Birmingham and (b) Birmingham, Northfield constituency.

Joseph Johnson: Statistics identifying the term-time address of higher education students can only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, Table 3 of the Higher Education Statistics Agency’s (HESA) Statistical First Release (SFR) entitled ‘Higher education student enrolments and qualifications obtained at higher education providers in the United Kingdom 2014/15’ shows that there were 76,140 enrolments at higher education institutions (HEIs) in Birmingham[1] in the academic year 2014/15. The SFR is available at the following link:https://www.hesa.ac.uk/news/14-01-2016/sfr224-enrolments-and-qualifications[1] The count includes higher education enrolments at undergraduate and postgraduate level from all countries of domicile at Aston University, Birmingham City University, The University of Birmingham, University College Birmingham and Newman University.

Humanities: Secondary Education

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to increase the take-up of humanities subjects in secondary schools.

Nick Gibb: Geography and history are foundation subjects in the National Curriculum and are statutory in maintained schools at Key Stage 3. In Key Stage 4, there is a statutory entitlement for pupils to take a course in either geography or history leading to a recognised qualification, if they wish to do so. Religious education is compulsory for all state funded schools, including academies and free schools, at all key stages, and other humanities subjects are also available at GCSE and A level. The Government’s ambition is to increase the number of pupils entering the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects at GCSE, including geography or history. Since the introduction of the EBacc attainment measure in performance tables in 2010/11 the proportion of pupils entering the humanities pillar of the EBacc has increased from 47.7% to 73.7% (2016 provisional)[1]. Religious studies continues to be a popular subject at GCSE and A level, with entries increasing this year.We have consulted on measures to further increase the number of pupils taking the EBacc, are considering the responses to our consultation, and will publish the Government response in due course.[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/gcse-and-equivalent-results-2015-to-2016-provisional

Ministry of Justice

Prisoners' Release

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 24 October 2016 to Question 48562, on prisoners' release, how many times representations have been made by the victim's family in respect of each of the people convicted of murder; and how many times the decision on release changed as a result of those representations.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Decisions about temporary release are taken after careful consideration of all of the relevant information available, including but not restricted to information about the impact upon the victim or their family, and it is not possible to conclude definitively that any one piece of information determined the outcome. Nor is it possible, except at disproportionate cost, to determine the number of occasions where representations have been made by the families of the victims in the cases referred to in Question 48562.

Prisoners' Release

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 12 October 2016 to Question 48562, how many of the families of the victims of the 61 prisoners (a) were offered the chance to receive information about key developments in the relevant prisoner's sentence and (b) took up the offer to receive such information.

Mr Sam Gyimah: I refer the Hon member to my answer to PQ 48562.

Ministry of Justice: Iron and Steel

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent estimate she has made of the level of procurement of British steel by her Department in the last 12 months.

Dr Phillip Lee: The information is not centrally held in the form requested. Over the last year Government has acted to level the playing field for UK steel producers in light of the complex global challenges faced by the UK steel sector. Last December Government issued guidance to central government departments on how to ensure that they take full account of the value provided by UK steel producers when conducting their procurement activities. This guidance is also being extended to the wider public sector.

Ministry of Justice: Apprentices

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many apprenticeships have been created in her Department in each region in each of the last five years; and how many participants in those apprenticeships subsequently secured a job within the Civil Service.

Dr Phillip Lee: Information on the regional location of apprenticeships is not held centrally. In light of the Government’s manifesto commitment to achieve three million new apprenticeship starts in England by the end of the Parliament, the Cabinet Office will be centrally collecting data on apprenticeships to allow the Civil Service to report on its contribution towards the national target.

Probation: Females

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the findings of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation, published in their report entitled A thematic inspection of the provision and quality of services in the community for women who offend, on 29 September 2016, whether she plans to re-establish dedicated funding for community services for women.

Dr Phillip Lee: Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) provide rehabilitation and resettlement services to all offenders. We are committed to giving female offenders the help and support they need to reform and lead law-abiding lives and have been reviewing the services CRCs are providing for female offenders to ensure they meet contractual requirements. We are also working with partners in areas across England and Wales to develop whole system approaches to help female offenders turn away from crime and rebuild their lives. We will continue to robustly manage the CRC contracts to make sure they reduce reoffending, protect the public and provide the best value for money for the taxpayer.

Immigration: Appeals

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the effect of changes to immigration and asylum tribunal fees on access to justice.

Sir Oliver Heald: The Government believes it is right that those who use the immigration tribunals and are subject to a fee should pay the full the cost of the service they receive. This is about making sure our courts and tribunals are properly funded, while reducing the cost to the taxpayer.At the same time, we’re protecting the most vulnerable from any fee increase, including those who receive asylum support and cases involving children being supported or housed by a local authority.

Offenders: Rehabilitation

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if her Department's review of Transforming Rehabilitation addresses the effect of that policy on women; and when she plans to publish the findings of that review.

Mr Sam Gyimah: We are carrying out a comprehensive review of our probation reforms to improve outcomes for offenders and communities. Public protection is our top priority and we will not hesitate to take the necessary action to make sure our vital reforms are being delivered to reduce reoffending, cut crime and prevent future victims. As part of this review we will consider the services provided to female offenders by Community Rehabilitation Companies and the National Probation System.

Probation: Females

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking in response to the conclusion of HM Inspectorate of Probation in its report of 29 September 2016, A thematic inspection of the provision and quality of services in the community for women who offend, that services for women are undervalued and under threat.

Dr Phillip Lee: Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) provide rehabilitation and resettlement services to all offenders. We are committed to giving female offenders the help and support they need to reform and lead law-abiding lives and have been reviewing the services CRCs are providing for female offenders to ensure they meet contractual requirements. We are also working with partners in areas across England and Wales to develop whole system approaches to help female offenders turn away from crime and rebuild their lives. We will continue to robustly manage the CRC contracts to make sure they reduce reoffending, protect the public and provide the best value for money for the taxpayer.

Victim Support Schemes: Children

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to her Department's report entitled Our Commitment to Victims, published in September 2014, whether the national roll-out of pre-trial cross-examination for child victims will be completed by March 2017.

Dr Phillip Lee: As the Justice Secretary announced in September, we will roll out pretrial cross examination for all vulnerable witnesses, including children, across all Crown Courts by the end of 2017.

Registered Intermediaries

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many requests were made for registered intermediaries in each year since 2010.

Dr Phillip Lee: Protecting victims is our top priority. In 2015 we doubled the number of Registered Intermediaries, to increase the numbers available to help vulnerable witnesses and victims. The following table gives a breakdown of requests for Registered Intermediary (RI) support for the years 2010 to 2015 and the year to date 2016. Requests for RI support by year:YearNumber of Requests Received2010120620111230201214322013179720143341201555032016 (Jan – Oct)5223

Prisoner Escapes

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisoner escapes there were in (a) England and (b) Cumbria in each of the last six years.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The number of escapes for each prison in England and Wales is published annually on gov.uk.

Prison Service: Staff

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many full-time prison officers were employed in (a) England, (b) Cumbria and (c) Copeland constituency in each of the last six years.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Information on the full time equivalent staff in post in in HMP Haverigg, the only prison in Cumbria, is contained in the table below. Information on the number of prison officers in England is published regularly on gov.uk. Full Time Equivalent Band 3-5 Prison Officers in Post at HMP Haverigg - 31 March 2011 to 2016DateHaverigg31/03/201113431/03/201213131/03/201311331/03/201410331/03/201511131/03/2016130   Safe prisons are fundamental to the proper functioning of our justice system. Our dedicated prison officers, who support tens of thousands of prisoners every day, are vital to the safe running of our prisons. We have recruited 2,900 staff over the last 12 months and are taking significant action to make sure we have appropriate staffing levels. As the Justice Secretary announced today, we will be investing in an additional 2,500 prison officers across the prison estate.

Young Offenders: Video Conferencing

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which locations her Department has identified as potential candidates for the first stages of the roll-out of section 28 of the Youth Justice Criminal Evidence Act 1999, announced in her Department's publication, Transforming Our Justice System, published in September 2016; and if she will make a statement.

Dr Phillip Lee: The Government is committed to making sure that victims and witnesses of crime get the support they need and have the confidence to come forward, which is why we are rolling out recorded pre-trial cross-examination for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. Roll out of the measure will start in January 2017 in Leeds, Liverpool and Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Courts, the courts where the pilot took place. It will continue to be rolled out in other Crown Courts during 2017.

Victim Support Schemes

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to her Department's publication, Our Commitment to Victims, published in September 2014, what steps she has taken to ensure there are greater opportunities for vulnerable witnesses to give evidence at a location away from court.

Dr Phillip Lee: The Government is committed to supporting and protecting victims and witnesses when they give their evidence. Since last year, we have established over 20 video live-link sites in England and Wales for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses to give their evidence away from the court building should they choose to do so.

Personal Independence Payment: Appeals

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people whose initial personal independence claim was unsuccessful died before their appeal was heard in each year from 2013 to date.

Sir Oliver Heald: This information is not held centrally.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in her Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Matt Hancock: Our department is headquartered in Whitehall, and therefore the figures on the number of Senior Civil Service staff in London will reflect that. Financial YearNumber of SCSProportion of SCS2014-1500%2015-161 - Deputy Director 2016 - to date1 - Deputy Director

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration her Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Matt Hancock: On 17 October the Minister for Vulnerable Children and Families laid a Written Ministerial Statement before this House reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It stated that both the UNCRC articles and the Committee’s recent Concluding Recommendations serve as a helpful and important guide to making sure that our policies – whether they hold direct or indirect consequences – consider children. It is very important that we analyse the impact of policies in relation to particular groups: this is a fundamental part of good policy-making. This is done in a range of ways, particularly through engagement with civil society and professionals. In addition, Cabinet Office guidance encourages all government departments to consider, and set out in summary, the anticipated effects of legislation on children and on the compatibility of draft legislation with the UNCRC. This guidance can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/450239/Guide_to_Making_Legislation.pdf The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has introduced a number of policies which will continue to have a positive impact on the lives of children and young people. For example, Government’s strategy for sport and physical activity (published in December 2015) extended Sport England’s responsibility for participation in grassroots sport to include children as young as five. In September, Arts Council England launched three pilots for its “Cultural Citizens Programme”, focusing on introducing cultural activities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The UK is also a world leader in child online safety, with legal protections against abuse and illegal content, and tools for parents and children to avoid content they do not wish to see. The UK Council for Child Internet Safety, set up in 2008, brings Government together with key stakeholders to help to keep children and young people safe online. We also have a strong track-record in working with the internet industries to drive progress. We have introduced draft legislation to require age verification controls for access to online pornographic material provided on a commercial basis.

Gambling Commission: National Lottery

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions Ministers have had with the Gambling Commission on the National Lottery in the last year.

Tracey Crouch: Ministers have regular meetings to discuss the Gambling Commission’s work which includes The National Lottery as a matter of course. Details of DCMS ministerial meetings are published on online here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-ministerial-hospitality-overseas-travel-meetings-and-gifts-1-january-2016-to-31-march-2016).

Gambling Commission

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what remuneration is received by members of the Board of Commissioners of the Gambling Commission; and how many days those members work in that capacity each year.

Tracey Crouch: Comprehensive details of Commissioner remuneration, including details of work completed and attendance at meetings, are set out each year in the Gambling Commission’s annual report which is available in the House Library or online.

Gambling Commission: National Lottery

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the duties of the Board of Commissioners of the Gambling Commission are in relation to the regulation of the National Lottery.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the duties of the Gambling Commission are in relation to the regulation of the National Lottery.

Tracey Crouch: The Board of Commissioners ensures that the Gambling Commission exercises its functions in line with the statutory duties set out in legislation. The National Lottery etc Act 1993 sets out the duties of the Gambling Commission in regulating The National Lottery. Under Section 4 (1) the Commission must: ensure that the National Lottery is run, and every lottery that forms part of it is promoted, with all due propriety;ensure that the interests of every participant in a lottery that forms part of the National Lottery are protected; andsubject to these two duties, do its best to ensure that good cause returns are maximised

Gambling Commission: National Lottery

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will place the minutes of the 2016 meetings of the Gambling Commission's National Lottery Committee in the Library.

Tracey Crouch: Decisions regarding publication of National Lottery Committee minutes sit with the Gambling Commission. The Gambling Commission do not make copies of these minutes public for reasons of commercial sensitivity. Details of committee decisions, such as the approval of changes to Lottery games, are posted on the Commission's website (http://www.natlotcomm.gov.uk/).

Sports Competitors: Free Movement of Labour

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on professional sport of retaining free movement of workers between the UK and EU member states after the UK leaves the EU.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on professional sport of applying the same work permit rules which currently apply to non-EU sportspeople to all non-UK sportspeople after the UK leaves the EU.

Tracey Crouch: The UK’s negotiations for exiting the EU are complex and the Government is focused on securing the best deal for Britain. Together with the Department for Exiting the EU, we are analysing all the impacts of leaving the EU and have discussed areas of interest with sporting stakeholders.

Sports: Children

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to increase participation in sport among school-aged children.

Tracey Crouch: The Government is committed to ensuring that children and young people have the best opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity and to develop a lifelong commitment to being active. The Government's Sporting Future strategy widened Sport England's remit to include responsibility for children's participation in sport from the ages of 5 years and up outside of school. Sport England has committed £40m of new funding into projects that provide opportunities for children and families to get active and play sport together. To support sport in schools, the Government has committed to doubling the Primary Premium from £160m per year to £320m per year. It has also committed to continuing to invest in the School Games, which provides competitive sporting opportunities for children across the country.

Arts: Equality

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent steps her Department has taken to improve diversity in employment in the creative industries.

Matt Hancock: Government is committed to improving diversity in employment in the creative industries, and we are working with a range of organisations and arm’s length bodies to achieve this. The Minister for Culture held the first of a series of diversity roundtables in September and we are supporting industry initiatives including the Creative Industries Council’s (CIC) new strategy sets targets for businesses to promote diversity in the sector; the British Film Institute’s (BFI) introduction of diversity standards to improve the representation of diverse groups in film production; and the launch of Project Diamond to monitor diversity of employment in the broadcasting sector.

Sports: Children

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to improve sports provision in local communities for disabled children.

Tracey Crouch: Government recognises the importance of sport and physical activity to disabled people. Our sport strategy, 'Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation', published in December 2015, emphasises the importance of getting people active, particularly those groups currently under-represented, including disabled people. We also broadened Sport England's remit to be responsible for children's sport outside school from the age of five, to help people receive the best possible experience of sport and to build physical literacy and a positive attitude to sport and physical activity. Sport England published its own strategy, Towards an Active Nation on 19 May, which sets out how it intends to deliver against the government’s sport strategy. This includes a specific focus on disabled people, who are less likely to regularly take part in physical activity. It will invest more on children, including disabled children, from the age of five to help them develop a sporting habit for life. Since 2010 Sport England has invested £480,452 of National Lottery funding in Sunderland Central

National Citizen Service Trust

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 28 October 2016 to Question 50181, what the cost, inclusive of operating costs of the National Citizen Service Trust and payments to delivery organisations, has been to the public purse of each young person undertaking the National Citizen Service programme in each financial year since that programme's inception.

Mr Rob Wilson: Unit cost per NCS participant is calculated by an independent evaluator using their own methodology (as set out in the answer to Question 50181). This methodology includes payments to providers but excludes Trust operating costs in order to give a programme delivery unit cost that is directly comparable between years. NCS Trust has delivered the programme since 2013 and has achieved year on year growth in participants. For further information on the NCS Trust’s operating budget, please see the published NCS Trust accounts which are available through Companies House.

Gaming Machines

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what progress her Department has made on its commitment to end unsupervised high-stakes gambling on fixed odds betting terminals.

Tracey Crouch: I announced a review of gaming machines and social responsibility measures on 24 October. This will include a close look at Fixed Odds Betting Terminals.

Public Libraries

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support library provision.

Mr Rob Wilson: The Government, together with the Local Government Association, set up the Leadership for Libraries Taskforce in 2015. The Taskforce has already published Toolkits and case studies to assist local authorities. We have also been developing, with the Taskforce, a draft vision and action plan for public libraries in England and this will be published shortly.

Soft Drinks: Taxation

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if the Government will fund accessible physical activity sessions during school holidays from the proceeds of the soft drinks industry levy.

Tracey Crouch: Revenue from the soft drinks levy will be used to improve school sport and to get more children and young people involved in sport and physical activity. It will be used to double the PE and School Sport Premium, providing £320 million from September 2017 to all primary schools, to improve provision of PE and sport for all. Schools can decide how best to use this funding, and may choose to run extra-curricular activities during school holidays or to buy equipment.

Arts: Young People

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent steps she has taken to improve access to cultural experiences for young people from low-income households; and if she will make a statement.

Matt Hancock: Improving access to culture for young people from low-income backgrounds remains a core part of this Government's strategy and our Culture White Paper. The Government is improving cultural access through a number of schemes including: the Cultural Citizens Programme; sustained investment in music and cultural education; and through the Arts Council's Creative People and Places Programme.

Broadband

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that all parts of the UK can access superfast broadband.

Matt Hancock: Over 4 million homes and businesses now have access to superfast broadband as a direct result of the government’s programme; and We are currently reinvesting project savings and take-up revenues to extend the reach of superfast broadband beyond 95%.

Arts

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential effect on the creative industries of the UK leaving the EU.

Matt Hancock: Government wants to ensure the best possible deal for Britain on leaving the European Union. The Creative Industries are one of the UK’s greatest success stories, contributing over £87 billion to the economy and over £19 billion in exports. We are working closely with the industry to assess both the possible impacts and opportunities that our departure presents.

Department for Work and Pensions

Department for Work and Pensions: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration his Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Caroline Nokes: Analysis of the impact of policies in relation to particular groups is carried out in a range of ways, particularly through engagement with civil society and professionals. Assessments are regularly undertaken where the child may be directly or indirectly affected by proposed changes.Rights, freedoms and protections for children are considered throughout policy-making, but we have also put in place extra checkpoints – across government – where we think these are useful and important. These include the Equalities Analysis, which enables decision-makers to understand the impact on protected groups, one of which is age.In the Department for Work and Pensions (“DWP”) we consider the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as part of our Equality Analysis when the Department is considering changing, developing or delivering policies or programmes or services that may affect children either directly or indirectly. An example of this is the impact assessment carried out in respect of the welfare reforms set out in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill. In undertaking its analysis, where applicable, DWP took into account the UNCRC.A Family Test for the development of policy was introduced by the UK Government in 2014, led by DWP. The objective of the test is to introduce a family perspective to the policy making process, and to ensure that the potential impacts on family relationships and functioning, both positive and negative, are made explicit and recognised in the process of developing new policy.

Independent Case Examiner

Neil Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of cases dealt with by the Independent Case Examiner have found in the claimant's favour in each of the last five years.

Neil Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average time taken was for a case to be fully investigated by the Independent Case Examiner from initial referral until final outcome in each of the last five years.

Neil Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many cases have been dealt with by the Independent Case Examiner in each of the last five years.

Caroline Nokes: Detailed below is the number of cases dealt with by the Independent Case Examiner (ICE) Office in the last five reporting years. The ICE Office only accepts a complaint for examination if it falls within their remit and the complainant has received a final response from the relevant department or its supplier. Number of complaints accepted for examination by the ICE Office in the last five years 2011/121,3482012/131,1812013/141,0022014/151,1262015/161,104 First the Independent Case Examiner (ICE) Office considers whether a solution to the complaint can be brokered with the relevant department or its supplier without a detailed examination of the evidence. If not, it may be possible to “settle” the complaint, following a review of the evidence, if the relevant department or its supplier agrees to action that satisfies the complainant. Failing that the ICE will issue a report detailing findings and any recommendation for redress. The table below details those complaints where a report was issued. ICE Investigation Report Findings  2011/122012/132013/142014/152015/16Upheld - all aspects of the complaints had merit13%7%18%22%28%Partially Upheld - some aspects of the complaint had merit26%19%33%37%44%Not Upheld61%74%49%41%28% Average clearance times, for the last five years, in respect of resolution, settlement and full investigations by the Independent Case Examiner Office are detailed below. Average Cleared Times (weeks)ResolutionSettledICE Report2011/12849512012/13939452013/14924332014/15627292015/1683844

Refuges: Social Security Benefits

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the number of benefit claimants who are accommodated in domestic violence refuges whose overall benefit entitlement has reduced as a result of changes to the benefit cap level after housing benefit paid to households in supported accommodation has been disregarded from the benefit cap calculation.

Caroline Nokes: This information is not available. However, the numbers affected are likely to be small.Housing Benefit paid to claimants in specified accommodation (which includes refuges) is not taken into account for the purposes of the benefit cap. Circumstances can vary and where such cases arise, the Discretionary Housing Payments are available as additional support. The DHP Guidance Manual highlights that DHPs may be directed towards those individuals or families fleeing domestic violence.Notes:• The Department does not hold information on individuals in domestic violence refuges as part of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit data• It is unlikely that many cases would still be in scope for the cap once housing costs regarding specified accommodation have been disregarded. Examples of where this could happen are: if the claimant has several children and is in receipt of a large Child Tax Credit award, or if they are receiving Housing Benefit for both the refuge and their home address, where the Housing Benefit for their home address would still be counted as income towards the cap.

Personal Independence Payment

Phil Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many personal independence payment applications have been accepted at the first stage, without submission of a mandatory reconsideration or appeal, between April 2015 and October 2016.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of personal independence payment applications from addresses in the London Borough of Newham were accepted at the first stage without submitting a mandatory reconsideration or appeal between April 2015 and October 2016.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of all personal independence payment applicants have been accepted at the first stage without submitting a mandatory reconsideration or appeal in the period between April 2015 and October 2016.

Penny Mordaunt: Breakdowns of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reassessment claims by type of clearance (i.e. whether the claim was awarded, disallowed or withdrawn), at the point of initial decision, are published online at https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk. This includes data on both the total number of PIP awards made and on such awards as a percentage of overall claims. It also includes breakdowns by month and by Local Authority.These statistics run until July 2016. Figures are published on a regular basis and statistics for August to October will be available in due course.

Employment and Support Allowance

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many employment and support allowance (ESA) claimants with (a) chronic disabilities and (b) illnesses were declared fit to work and had their ESA payments stopped in each month of (i) 2013, (ii) 2014, (iii) 2015 and (iv) 2016 to date.

Penny Mordaunt: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.Information in respect of Employment and Support Allowance work capability assessments can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/employment-and-support-allowance-outcomes-of-work-capability-assessment.

Work Capability Assessment

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department's assessment contractors received any (a) penalty, (b) bonus and (c) incentive to deny individual claims for (i) personal independence payment and (ii) employment and support allowance.

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department's assessment contractors receive any penalty or fine when a claimant has been initially refused (a) personal independence payment and (b) employment and support allowance and is later awarded the relevant benefit on appeal at tribunal.

Penny Mordaunt: The role of contracted Assessment Providers is to carry out assessments on behalf of the Department. They do not determine whether a claim to Personal Independence Payment or Employment and Support Allowance is successful. They provide a report to DWP’s decision makers who then determine entitlement to benefit. No targets are in place as to how many applications are successful.Where a need for additional support or training is identified, feedback is provided to the assessor and appropriate action taken.

Work Capability Assessment

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what targets his Department's assessment contractors have  for conducting (a) personal independence payments and (b) employment and support allowance assessments.

Penny Mordaunt: Information on all the contractual targets, payments and penalties for Personal Independence Payment and Employment Support Allowance assessment contractors can be found on the Government’s Contract Finder website:Atos Healthcare for PIP assessments in Northern England and Scotland – Lot 1http://data.gov.uk/data/contracts-finder-archive/contract/695721/Capita for Central England and Wales assessments – Lot 2 http://data.gov.uk/data/contracts-finder-archive/contract/740844/Atos Healthcare for PIP assessments in London, East of England and Southern England – Lot 3http://data.gov.uk/data/contracts-finder-archive/contract/695729/Capita for Northern Ireland assessments – Lot 4http://data.gov.uk/data/contracts-finder-archive/contract/762330/Health and Disability Assessment Service (ESA)https://online.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk:443/Common/View%20Notice.aspx?site=1000&lang=en&NoticeId=1644334

Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in his Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Mark Lancaster: The numbers and proportion of Ministry of Defence (MOD) civil servants employed as team leaders and policy managers outside London is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. In the MOD, Senior Civil Servants (SCS) (Pay Band 2) are classified as Directors. The attached table therefore provides the requested information for MOD civil servants at SCS Pay Band 1, Band B1 (Grade 6) and at Band B2 (Grade 7) which are grades classified as Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors.



50397-MOD Senior Civil Service grades London/UK 
(Word Document, 26.83 KB)

Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to maximise the UK workshare in the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft programme.

Harriett Baldwin: The P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is a mature capability that has been in production for a number of years. There is already an established supply chain, which includes a number of UK suppliers who continue to benefit from this programme. The aircraft, however, is only one element of the whole programme. As options for future training and support of the aircraft in the UK are refined, there will be a number of opportunities, managed through normal procurement routes, for UK businesses to be involved in this on-going work. An early example is the announcement made at the Farnborough International Air show in July that Boeing would invest around £100 million in an operational support and training facility at RAF Lossiemouth.

Iraq Historic Allegations Team

Sir Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when Ministers of his Department were first made aware of the Iraq Historic Allegations team's contract with the recruitment agency Red Snapper.

Mike Penning: The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) has always been an independent service police investigation, supported by contracted staff who provide additional manpower and expertise. This structure was agreed by Ministers prior to the set-up of the IHAT in 2010. The IHAT's contractors were recruited through an open competition for the provision of specialist staff. Red Snapper was first awarded the contract in 2013 and Ministers were aware that an open competition process took place.

Ministry of Defence: Iron and Steel

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent estimate he has made of the level of procurement of British steel by his Department in the last 12 months.

Harriett Baldwin: Defence requirements for steel are in the main sourced by our prime contractors taking into account cost, time and quality. The Ministry of Defence does not therefore hold a central record of the origin of steel utilised in defence projects over the past 12 months. However, the data held shows that UK suppliers have made a significant contribution to the supply of steel for defence, including some 88% of the structural steel for the new Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers.We will continue to do what we can to address the barriers which might prevent UK steel producers competing effectively in an open market. This includes, where appropriate, publishing information about our future steel requirements.

Armed Forces: Housing

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2016 to Question 50014, if he will make an assessment of the effect on householders of his Department's policy not to allow residents to have water meters installed so that those residents are charged only for the water consumed.

Mark Lancaster: There are currently no plans to assess the effect of not allowing the installation of water meters in householders.Ministry of Defence policy ensures that individual household bills do not exceed the average Statutory Undertaker household bill for the region.

Artillery

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the precautionary safety notice concerning use of the high-explosive L31 artillery round currently in use with the L118 light gun has been lifted.

Harriett Baldwin: Following investigations into an incident with a 105mm L31 high explosive shell during Army training, BAE Systems lifted its precautionary safety notice for new manufacture stock in November 2015 and in May 2016 for the majority of the existing Ministry of Defence stockpile. The British Army returned to normal training use in February 2016. Existing stock continues to be cleared by production batch. All stock has remained available for operations throughout, if required.

Artillery

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times his Department has had to suspend the use of the high-explosive L31 artillery round in use with the L118 light gun since 2010.

Harriett Baldwin: Since 2010, full use of 105mm L31 High Explosive ammunition has been suspended twice; in June 2015 after an incident in training; and briefly in March 2016 based on a factory inspection. Individual batches and different combinations of shell and fuse have also been constrained at various points, but without impacting on availability for use in training or operations.

Ministry of Defence: Audit

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much funding his Department has allocated for Defence Internal Audit in each year since 2010.

Sir Michael Fallon: The totals for financial years 2010 to 2016 are as follows:FY £million2010-11 3.5832011-12 6.633 2012-13 5.8512013-14 6.279 2014-15 7.6722015-16 6.1292016-17 4.652

Royal Military Academy

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many entrants completed the Late Entry Officers Course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in each year since 2010.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK Regular Officers completing the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst had previously served as regular soldiers in each year since 2010.

Mike Penning: The number of those completing the regular Commissioning Course that had previously served as regular soldiers, and the number of those completing the Late Entry Officers Course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in each period between 2010-11 and 2015-16 inclusive are shown below: Course Start PeriodCommissioned having previously served as regular soldiersCompleted Late Entry Officers Course2010-11552752011-12252152012-13352102013-14201752014-15352202015-1625165The total of those commissioned having served as regular soldiers for the period 2015-16 is incomplete, as a remaining number are expected to commission in December 2016.Figures have been rounded to 5.

Home Office

Home Office: EU Nationals

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many foreign-born EU nationals are employed by her Department and its agencies.

Sarah Newton: Holding answer received on 17 October 2016



All Government Departments are bound by legal requirements concerning the right to work in the UK and, in addition, the Civil Service Nationality Rules.Evidence of nationality is checked at the point of recruitment into the Civil Service as part of wider pre-employment checks, but there is no requirement on departments to retain this information beyond the point at which it has served its purpose.

Slavery

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Conclusive Grounds decisions reached through the National Referral Mechanism for victims of human trafficking and slavery took longer than 45 days in each year since 2009-10; and what central government funding was provided for decisions that were taken longer than 45 days in each of those years.

Sarah Newton: The information requested is set out in the table below:Financial YearCases where Conclusive Decision exceeded 45 days*2009/102982010/113532011/124292012/136362013/1410892014/1513142015/161376Whilst significant anomalies have been removed from the data, all statistical information has been drawn from internal management information and has not been quality assured to the same standard as published information. It Includes unknown. Specialist and tailored support continues to be offered to all potential victims until a conclusive grounds decision is made. It is not possible to accurately specify the precise costs of those cases which take longer than 45 days to conclude.

Cybercrime

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the incidence of cyber-fraud and to advise the public of the level of care they should take in transferring money online.

Mr Ben Wallace: The Government launched the Joint Fraud Taskforce earlier this year. This partnership between government, law enforcement and the financial sector is working in new innovative ways to deliver a more effective response to fraud. The Taskforce is looking at new ways to ensure individuals have the tools and knowledge to protect themselves from fraudsters, including when transferring money online.A Joint Fraud Taskforce partner, Financial Fraud Action UK, recently launched a nation-wide fraud prevention campaign ‘Take 5’ which advises that individuals take five minutes to consider what they are being asked to do, especially if being pressured to take an unusual course of action such as transferring funds to an unknown individual. The Taskforce is also working closely with the financial sector to look at how fraud can be designed out of systems such as internet banking, to stop individuals transferring money to a potential fraudster.The Government’s Cyber Aware campaign aims to help small business and individuals protect themselves from cyber criminals by adopting simple secure online behaviours such as having a strong password and always downloading the latest software updates. Cyber Aware works with a range of public and private sector partners to embed cyber security advice into a range of every day touch points, including Get Safe Online, whose remit is to help individuals and small businesses safeguard themselves against fraud and other online data threats.The Government is also encouraging all businesses which rely on the Internet to adopt the Cyber Essentials scheme to protect themselves against the most common Internet threats. We know the vast majority of cyber attacks exploit basic weaknesses in IT software and systems. Cyber Essentials shows organisations how to address those basics and get a good level of online security in place which all organisations operating online should aim for as a minimum.

Visas

Mr David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average time for a final decision on a visitor's visa application was in each of the last five years.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Published data on visa processing times is available from the Home Office website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on what date she first became aware that allegations of racism had been made against Dame Lowell Goddard in her capacity as Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse; and who made her aware of those allegations.

Sarah Newton: Holding answer received on 24 October 2016



No such allegations have ever been raised with the Home Secretary.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department sought legal advice in relation to the departures of Dame Lowell Goddard and Ben Emmerson QC from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

Sarah Newton: Provision of advice from legal advisers is subject to legal privilege.

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much has been spent on work by Ben Emmerson QC for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse during the period since he left his post as senior lawyer on that inquiry; and if she will publish a breakdown of those costs.

Sarah Newton: On 12 March 2015 the former Home Secretary established the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse under the Inquiries Act 2005. The Inquiry is independent of the Government and is responsible for the management of its own budget and the publication of its own financial reports.

Asylum: Human Trafficking

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many victims of human trafficking applied for asylum in each year from 2010 to 2015 by gender, age, citizenship and type of exploitation.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Between 1 January 2010 and 30 September 2015 1,200 applications for asylum were submitted by individuals recognised as victims of human trafficking by the National Referral Mechanism. Of those, 782 individuals (65.2%) were successfully granted some form of leave to enter/remain in the UK as a result of their asylum application.

Vetting: EU Nationals

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many EU nationals are recorded by the Disclosure and Barring Service as having worked in regulated activity for (a) children and (b) adults in each year since 2012.

Sarah Newton: The Disclosure and Barring Service does not collect this specific information.

Asylum: Children

David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) male and (b) female unaccompanied children arrived in the UK seeking asylum in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Home Office publishes the Immigration Statistics release each quarter.The requested information is available in table as_08, in volume 3 of the asylum data tables:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/546760/asylum3-q2-2016-tabs.odsA copy of the latest release, Immigration Statistics April to June 2016, is available from:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-april-to-june2016/asylum

Refugees: Children

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of the unaccompanied children that have arrived in the UK from Calais under the Dublin III Regulation are (a) male and (b) female.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The process of transferring unaccompanied children from Calais to the UK under the Dublin III Regulation is an ongoing operational matter and the Home Office will provide an update in due course.

Asylum: Age

David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department received any representations from King's College Dental School, between 2012 and 2014, on the use of dental tests to establish the age of people claiming asylum.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Home Office received representations from a number of bodies be-tween 2012 and 2014 about the possible use of dental tests to establish the age of people claiming asylum. The view of many of those making representations was that the use of dental tests for this purpose would be unreliable, inappropriate and unethical.

Refugees: English Language

Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to provide additional funding for English language tuition for refugees on the Gateway Protection Resettlement Programme.

Mr Robert Goodwill: English language tuition forms part of the support package provided to beneficiaries of the Gateway Protection Programme.

NHS: Migrant Workers

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent representations she has received from NHS trusts on safeguards for EU nationals working in the NHS after the UK has left the EU; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Government Ministers and officials receive representations from a wide range of stakeholders. The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants to protect the status of EU nationals here. The only circumstances in which that would not be possible are if British citizens’ rights in other EU Member States were not protected in return.

Overseas Students

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her Department's policy is on the inclusion of international students as part of the net migration figures; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Robert Goodwill: International students are included in net migration statistics that are produced by the independent Office for National Statistics (ONS). In line with the internationally agreed UN definition, these statistics define a migrant as someone changing their normal place of residence for more than a year. Students are therefore included in the same way as other migrants. Other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia also include students in their net migration figures. Like other migrants, students who stay for longer than 12 months have an impact on communities, infrastructure and services while they are here, so it is right that they are included in the net migration count.

Hate Crime: West Yorkshire

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) racially and (b) religiously motivated offences were recorded by West Yorkshire Police in June, July and August (i) 2016 and (ii) 2015.

Sarah Newton: This Government is committed to tackling hate crime. The UK has one of the strongest legislative frameworks in the world to tackle hate crime. We are working across Government with police, (including National Community Tensions Team), the Crown Prosecution Service and community partners to send out a clear message that hate crime will not be tolerated and we will vigorously pursue and prosecute those who commit these crimes.The Home Office publish detailed hate crime statistics, including by force, each year, but these cannot be broken down by month. The most recently published statistics for 2015/16 are available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2015-to-2016This release also included an Annex of provisional data for specific racially and religiously aggravated offences between April and August 2016 in England and Wales.

Immigration Controls

Dr Paul Monaghan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is the policy of her Department to require completion of immigration cards by UK citizens arriving at UK airports from EU destinations.

Mr Robert Goodwill: A citizen of the UK, encompassing Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is regarded as a British citizen. British citizens are not required to complete a landing card when arriving at UK airports from European Union destinations or anywhere else.

Deportation: Children

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the compatibility of deporting children provided with sanctuary in the UK when those children reach adulthood with the Dublin regulations and with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr Robert Goodwill: No individual granted protection here will be removed from the UK while that protection is needed. The Dublin Regulation ceases to apply once a person has been transferred to the UK under it. All removals from the UK must comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Community Relations

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential effect on her Department's policies of Dame Louise Casey's review into opportunity and integration in some of the UK's most isolated communities; and if she will make a statement.

Sarah Newton: Dame Louise Casey’s independent review will report to the Prime Minister and be published in due course. The Government’s response will be a decision for the Prime Minister.

Asylum: Children

David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) male and (b) female child refugees and asylum seekers of each age have arrived in the UK since 1 September 2016.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Home Office publishes the Immigration Statistics release each quarter, and the latest release covering the quarter ending June 2016 is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-april-to-june-2016The annual number of asylum claims received from main claimants and dependants, by age and sex is published in table as_04, in volume 2 of the asylum data tables:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/546759/asylum2-q2-2016-tabs.odsThe quarterly number of asylum claims received from unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, excluding dependants, sex and age at time of application, is published in table as_08_q, in volume 3 of the asylum data tables:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/546760/asylum3-q2-2016-tabs.ods

Antisemitism

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the number of attacks reported against Jewish people in each of the last five years.

Sarah Newton: The Home Office does not hold information on the number of attacks against Jewish people in the last five years. The Home Office has collected and published data for 2011/12 to 2015/16 on hate crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales for the five centrally monitored strands (race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity) but these data cannot be broken down by religion of the victim.From April 2016, the Home Office began collecting data from the police on the targeted religion of religious hate crime offences in order to help forces build community trust, target their resources and enable the public to better hold them to account. This information will be provided voluntarily in 2016/17, but we intend to make it mandatory from the following year. We expect to publish the first data from this collection in the 2016/17 Hate Crime statistics publication in 2017.For information, the Community Security Trust publishes figures on anti-Semitic incidents, and the latest figures are available here:https://cst.org.uk/publications/cst-publications/antisemitic-incident-reportsThis Government is committed to tackling hate crime. The UK has one of the strongest legislative frameworks in the world to tackle hate crime. We are working across Government with police, (including National Community Tensions Team), the Crown Prosecution Service and community partners to send out a clear message that hate crime will not be tolerated and we will vigorously pursue and prosecute those who commit these crimes.

Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will set out what steps she is taking to monitor whether victims of sexual violence are being detained at Yarlswood Detention Centre.

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many women resident in Yarlswood Detention Centre in the last 12 months have disclosed prior history of sexual violence; and  how many such women remain in detention.

Mr Robert Goodwill: All new cases entering detention are screened and approved for detention by a detention gate keeping team working across all immigration commands.This will ensure that detention criteria are applied consistently across the entire estate. The gate keeping team applies the new adults at risk in detention policy, which was implemented on 12 September 2016. The adult at risk policy includes sexual and gender based violence as an indicator of being at risk. Individuals regarded as being at risk will be detained only when the immigration factors in the case outweigh the risk considerations.If an issue (such as sexual violence) emerges once an individual has been detained (from a doctor in the context of a report under Rule 35 of the Detention Centre Rules 2001, or in another context), the case will be reviewed to establish whether, in the light of the new information, detention is still appropriate.Information on the number of women who have disclosed a prior history of sexual violence as part of their immigration case is not readily accessible from central statistical records and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost through a manual search of individual case files.

Asylum: Age

David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum applicants have been issued with the IS.97M form in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The IS97M is issued at screening stage when we dispute a subject’s claim to be a minor. Statistics on the number of age disputed cases are available for each of the last three years at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-april-to-june-2016/asylum#age-disputes

Asylum: Age

David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum applicants have been given an estimated date of birth by her Department which differs from the date claimed by those applicants in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mr Robert Goodwill: An estimated date of birth for an asylum seeker will be provided by the Home Office as part of the age assessment process where no clear and credible documentation as to age is available. If the asylum seeker continues to claim that their date of birth is different, age is recorded as “disputed”. Statistics on the number of age disputed cases are available for each of the last three years at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-april-to-june-2016/asylum#age-disputes

Home Office: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in her Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

Sarah Newton: We do not classify SCS PB1 posts under Assistant Director, Team Leader or Policy Manager.Please see the following table for results. The table below shows all SCS PB1 categorised under the title Deputy Director  Total SCS PB1Roles outside London%20141551610.32015158159.520161591610

Hate Crime: Internet

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people were (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted of offences relating to online hate content in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Sarah Newton: Information on prosecutions and convictions for hate crime, held by the Ministry of Justice, does not include details of whether an offence was committed through online activity.On 26 July we published a comprehensive new cross-Government Hate Crime Action plan to drive forward action against hate crime. This includes education programmes to prevent hate incidents and measures to improve the police response and recording of hate crime. It also includes £2.4million for security at places of worship which are vulnerable to hate crime and £300,000 funding for community groups to tackle hate crime in innovative ways, including the potential to tackle hate crime online.

Lasers: Airports

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on how many occasions laser pen type items have been seized in the vicinity of regional and international airports in the last five years.

Brandon Lewis: This information is not collected centrally by the Home Office.

Human Trafficking

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will provide statistics on the number of individuals rescued from people trafficking in the UK who have subsequently fallen back into trafficking for each year since 2010.

Sarah Newton: The information requested is not collated centrally.

Entry Clearances: Married People

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the effect on the health and wellbeing of children in families of their separation resulting from the income threshold for immigration of non-EEA partners of British citizens.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what alternatives her Department has considered for the income threshold of £18,600 for immigration of non-EEA partners of British citizens.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The minimum income threshold of £18,600 for sponsoring a non-EEA partner to come to the UK prevents burdens on the taxpayer and promotes integration. It was set following advice from the independent Migration Advisory Committee. This recommended that it be set in a range between £18,600 (the level at which a couple settled in the UK generally cannot access income-related benefits) and £25,700 (the level at which the sponsor becomes a net contributor to the public finances). The requirement has been upheld by the courts as lawful and compliant with our legal duty to safeguard and promote child welfare.

Knives: Crime

Mr Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the efficacy of knife crime amnesty provisions in England and Wales.

Sarah Newton: Knife amnesties are an operational matter for chief constables. Tackling knife crime is a priority for the Government and we have encouraged police forces to undertake a series of coordinated weeks of action to tackle knife crime under Operation Sceptre. Action under Operation Sceptre includes police forces targeting habitual knife carriers, weapon sweeps, test purchases of knives from retailers, and the use of surrender bins. Twenty-five forces took part in the latest week of action in October 2016.

Domestic Violence: Females

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the implications for the provision of her Department's services of the findings of the report entitled, Joining the Dots: the combined burden of violence, abuse and poverty in the lives of women, published by Agenda in September 2016; and if she will make a statement.

Sarah Newton: I recently met the Director of Agenda, on October 25 to discuss the recommendations of their report “Joining The Dots”. We are committed to working with Agenda and other organisations working in this sector to better understand and support women facing violence, abuse and poverty.We published our Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy for this Parliament in March 2016, which included our commitment to support for the most excluded women and girls facing multiple disadvantages. The Strategy also announced increased funding of £80 million from 2016 to 2020 to protect women and girls from violence, including support for refuges and other accommodation-based services, funding to national helplines, and from 2017, the launch of the VAWG Transformation Fund.We are committed to working across Government to deliver the commitments outlined in the Strategy. We are leading work across Government to identify those suffering multiple disadvantages, to support local commissioning of services to victims and survivors of VAWG, and to provide advice and support to local commissioners through the VAWG Transformation Fund.

Asylum

Dr Tania Mathias: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what qualifications are required for an asylum caseworker to be employed by her Department.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Staff employed to make asylum decisions are required to have a minimum educational requirement of 2 GCE A Level passes A-C and 5 GCSE passes including Mathematics and English.

Asylum

Dr Tania Mathias: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many days training an asylum caseworker receives; and how many days of mentoring those caseworkers receive after starting that role.

Mr Robert Goodwill: All members of staff who make decisions in asylum receive the same level of training. This includes a dedicated five-week foundation training programme that includes training on international and domestic law and safeguarding issues supplemented by a mentoring programme with an experienced caseworker that can last up to 6 months.

Visas: Overseas Students

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 26 October 2016 to Question 49108, what assessment she has made of the proportion of visa refusals that relate to university admissions; and how many visa applications have related to such admissions in each of the last five years.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Data regarding the number and proportion of visa refusals under Tier 4 of the Points Based System over the last five years can be found within the data tables produced for the immigration statistics, last published in August 2016 including data up to and including June 2016:All data tables:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-april-to-june-2016-data-tablesVisa applications table:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/546766/entry-visas1-q2-2016-tabs.odsThe data tables do not split the data according to the sponsoring institution type. Whilst this data is recorded in relation to each institution it is not held centrally in such a way as to be available without incurring disproportionate costs.

Sikhs

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which UK Sikh organisations her Department consulted in the development of its policy paper Action against hate: the UK Government's plan for tackling hate crime, published in July 2016.

Sarah Newton: When developing the Hate Crime Action Plan (Action Against Hate) the Government consulted with a range of stakeholders and community groups. This included the Independent Advisory Group on Hate Crime, a number of Police Independent Advisory Groups and a meeting of community stakeholders hosted by Greater Manchester Police on behalf of the Home Office.The Government welcomes engagement with all faith representatives including the Sikh Community in taking forward the Hate Crime Action Plan. Lord Bourne recently hosted a Roundtable on 12 September to engage with representatives from the Sikh Community.

Wales Office

Wales Office: Apprentices

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many apprenticeships have been created in his Department in each region in each of the last five years; and how many participants in those apprenticeships subsequently secured a job within the Civil Service.

Guto Bebb: The Wales Office is a very small Government Department of around forty five members of staff but it has nevertheless managed to create thirteen apprenticeships since 2011. Six Wales Office apprentices subsequently chose to secure a job within the Civil Service and four are currently still undertaking their apprenticeship civil service roles. In light of the Government’s manifesto commitment to achieve three million new apprenticeship starts in England by the end of the Parliament, the Cabinet Office will be centrally collecting data on apprenticeships to allow the Civil Service to report on its contribution towards the national target.

Wales Office: Iron and Steel

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent estimate he has made of the level of procurement of British steel by his Department in the last 12 months.

Guto Bebb: The Wales Office does not procure steel.

Wales Office: Working Hours

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many officials of his Department have opted out of the EU Working Time Directive.

Guto Bebb: No officials at the Wales Office have opted out of the EU Working Time Directive.

Scotland Office

Scotland Office: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in his Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office has no Senior Civil Service roles classified as Assistant Director, Team Leader or Policy Manager. The Scotland Office had two Deputy Director roles based outside London in 2014 and 2015, and three Deputy Director roles based outside London in 2016. This is equivalent to 40% of its Deputy Director headcount in 2014 and 2015, and 60% in 2016.

Scotland Office: Apprentices

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many apprenticeships have been created in his Department in each region in each of the last five years; and how many participants in those apprenticeships subsequently secured a job within the Civil Service.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office does not employ staff directly; all staff that join do so on an assignment, loan or secondment from other government bodies, principally from the Ministry of Justice and the Scottish Government.

Apprentices: Taxation

Mr David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether progress was made in discussions on the apprenticeship levy at the meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council on 24 October 2016.

David Mundell: On 25 October, the UK Government published its funding plans which underpin how the levy will operate in England. These plans will provide more support for younger apprentices and disadvantaged people, as well as more flexibility for employers. More details on the policy are available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-apprenticeship-funding-to-transform-investment-in-skills. As skills policy is devolved, it is for the Scottish Government to decide how it will use its share of the funding.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Department for Exiting the European Union: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration his Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Mr Robin Walker: On 17 October the Minister for Vulnerable Children and Families laid a Written Ministerial Statement before this House reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It stated that both the UNCRC articles and the Committee’s recent Concluding Recommendations serve as a helpful and important guide to making sure that our policies – whether they hold direct or indirect consequences – consider children.It is very important that we analyse the impact of policies in relation to particular groups: this is a fundamental part of good policy-making. This is done in a range of ways, particularly through engagement with civil society and professionals. In addition, Cabinet Office guidance encourages all government departments to consider, and set out in summary, the anticipated effects of legislation on children and on the compatibility of draft legislation with the UNCRC. This guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/450239/Guide_to_Making_Legislation.pdf

British Nationals Abroad: Property Rights

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2016 to Question 47485, if he will ensure the rights of UK owners of property in the EU to occupy that property (a) as a main residence while working, (b) as a main residence during retirement and (c) as an occasional residence, after the UK has left the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants to protect the rights of UK citizens living in European member states, in the same way that we want to protect the status of EU nationals already living here.At every step of these negotiations we will work to ensure the best possible outcome for the people of the United Kingdom.

Part-time Employment: EU Law

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Part-Time Workers Directive 97/81/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Acquired Rights Directive 2001/23/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Collective Redundancies Directive 98/59/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Agency Workers Directive 2008/104/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the European Works Council Directive 2006/109/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Equal Treatment Directive 76/207/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Young Workers Directive 94/33/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Race Directive 2000/43/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Working Time Directive 2003/88/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Recast Gender Directive 2006/54/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Parental Leave Directive 2010/18/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Fixed-Term Workers Directive  99/70/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Information and Consultation Directive 2002/14/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Employment Framework Directive 89/391/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Employer Insolvency Directive 2008/94/EC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans to give domestic effect to the Employment Conditions Directive 91/533/EEC through the forthcoming Repeal Bill.

Mr David Jones: The Government will bring forward legislation in the next session that, when enacted, will repeal the European Communities Act 1972 and ensure a functioning statute book on the day we leave the EU. This ‘Great Repeal Bill’ will end the authority of EU law and return power to the UK. The Bill will convert existing European Union law into domestic law, wherever practical.The Government will set out the content of the Bill and its implications in due course.

Department for Exiting the European Union: International Relations

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he has had discussions with the (a) Swiss, (b) Norwegian and (c) Icelandic governments since his appointment.

Mr David Jones: The Prime Minister has been clear we will not give a running commentary on Brexit negotiations. We will ensure that we engage closely with all relevant interlocutors.

Migrant Workers and National Insurance Contributions

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what estimate his Department has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on (a) the number of EU and EEA nationals working in the UK and (b) the level of national insurance contribution receipts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Jones: We are still considering carefully all of the options open to us for our new arrangements with the EU. What happens after the UK exits the EU is for negotiation. We are clear that we need to understand the impacts on the different sectors of the economy and the labour market from any changes that we make to the UK’s immigration system but we will not be giving a running commentary on our work as we approach the negotiations.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Staff

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, how many staff in his Department are currently on loan from the Ministry of Defence.

Mr David Jones: The Department for Exiting the European Union now has over 250 staff plus the expertise of over 120 officials in Brussels, and we are still growing rapidly. We are not in a position to give a final total as recruitment is ongoing.

Brexit

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2016 to Question 49977, on UK withdrawal from the EU, when he expects the analysis of the UK economy to be completed; and if he will make it his policy to publish the results of that analysis upon its completion.

Mr Robin Walker: We are continuing our analysis of the UK economy. We will not however publish any analysis that might risk harming our negotiating position.

Higher Education: Scotland

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the higher education sector in Scotland of the UK leaving the EU; what recent discussions his Department has had with Ministers of the Scottish Government on that potential effect; and what assessment his Department has made of the availability of different options for the higher education sector in Scotland after the UK leaves the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: We have been clear that we want to create an environment in which the UK as a whole can continue to be a world leader in research, science and the tertiary education sector more broadly.We are engaging with the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure a UK-wide approach to our negotiations. Details of Ministerial meetings will be published in the Department’s Quarterly Transparency Returns, which will be made publicly available on GOV.UK.

Overseas Students

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what representations he has received from the governments of other EU member states on the status of students after the 2018-19 academic year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Robin Walker: Current EU students and the 16/17 and 17/18 cohorts have already had reassurance that they will be able to obtain finance for the full duration of their course. Applications for 18/19 do not open until September 2017 and we will ensure students applying have information in advance of this date. We are not going to provide a running commentary on every twist and turn of the negotiations, but we will work hard to get the best deal for Britain and its universities.

Department for International Trade

Department for International Trade: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2010, Official Report, column 7WS, what consideration his Department has given to the articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making new policy and legislation since May 2015.

Mark Garnier: Since the Department for International Trade was created in July 2016, we have been subject to the same Cabinet Office guidance detailed in the answer provided by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Vulnerable Children and Families on 1 November 2016, to question UIN 50471.

Department for International Trade: Advertising

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how much his Department has spent on consultancy from advertising companies since its establishment for (a) public campaigns and (b) other advice; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Garnier: The Department has spent no money on consultancy services from advertising companies since its establishment. The Department has spent £890,247 in a range of procured marketing services from our contracted marketing agency to support national and international marketing campaigns since the start of July 2016.

Trade Agreements

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps he is taking to establish and facilitate civil society dialogue when negotiating trade agreements between the UK and other countries (a) during negotiations on the UK leaving the EU and (b) after the UK leaves the EU.

Mark Garnier: The Prime Minister has been clear that, as we leave the EU, we will make Britain a country that truly works not just for a privileged few, but for everybody.Dialogue with civil society will play a vital role in informing the development of the UK’s approach to trade. Over the coming weeks and months we will be engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society groups, both in the UK and internationally.

Department for International Trade: Freedom of Information

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many freedom of information requests have been submitted to his Department since July 2016; how many such requests the Department has responded to; how many such requests the Department has responded to within 20 working days; and for what number of days the longest outstanding request has been awaiting response.

Mark Garnier: Details of the Department for International Trade’s handling of requests under the Freedom of Information Act from the Department’s formation until 30 September 2016 will be published by the Cabinet Office later this year on www.Gov.uk. Statistics for quarter four of the year (October – December 2016) will be published at the same location in the New Year. As official statistics, disclosure of the information prior to its publication is prohibited by the Statistics and Registration Services Act 2007 and the Pre-release Access to Official Statistics Order 2008.

UK Trade with EU

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate he has made of the potential cost to businesses of no longer having access to tariff-free trade with other EU Member States.

Dr Liam Fox: The Government will work hard to get the best deal for Britain. The PM has made it clear that we want to maximise access to free trade to allow British companies to trade with the EU.The deal we negotiate will be bespoke, and we will make the most of the opportunities that our departure presents to do business right across the globe.

Agricultural Products: Exports

Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps his Department is taking to increase food and farming exports.

Mark Garnier: Increasing food and farming exports is a priority, with products sold in over 200 countries around the world and we are ambitious to do more. My Department is leading 12 food and agricultural technology export campaigns covering 24 key markets We have just launched our International Food and Drink Action Plan setting out how Government and industry will work together to increase exports even further.

Drugs: UK Trade with EU

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of different possible trading arrangements with the EU for pharmaceuticals exports after the UK leaves the EU.

Greg Hands: The pharmaceutical sector is strategically important for the United Kingdom and we are having an active and ongoing dialogue with industry. We want the best possible arrangements for trade in all goods and services with the EU, including the pharmaceutical sector.

Agricultural Products

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions he has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the potential effect of trade tariffs on agricultural products on the agriculture industry after the UK leaves the EU.

Mark Garnier: We are working closely with both the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Exiting the EU to ensure that we obtain the best possible arrangements for our agricultural trade both with the EU and the rest of the world. We are not going to give a running commentary on those discussions at this stage.

House of Commons Commission

Parliamentary Estate: Disability

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Rt. hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington representing the House of Commons Commission, what estimate has been made of how many rooms on the Parliamentary estate are not wheelchair accessible.

Tom Brake: The historic nature of the parliamentary estate means that newer buildings are more accessible than the older buildings for wheelchair users and people who need step-free access. While no estimate can be given of the number of rooms, those in Portcullis House and certain of the outbuildings have greater accessibility than the Palace and Norman Shaw buildings. Improving accessibility is being addressed as part of the Restoration and Renewal and Northern Estate Programmes, as well as the ongoing work across the estate.Step-free access, as well as other access requirements, are a priority for the Commission. This year, we participated in the Business Disability Forum’s Disability Standard, which measures organisations against 10 criteria, including premises and adjustments. We increased our score from 42% in 2013 to 83%, achieving Silver accreditation. We have upgraded our membership of the BDF to Partner member, in order to make faster progress in becoming a ‘disability-smart’ organisation.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in her Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

George Eustice: The number and proportion of Deputy Director SCS posts based outside London as at 30 September for each year since 2014 is shown below:  2014% of Total2015% of Total2016% of TotalSCS Pay Band 1 (Deputy Director)11119101110Note: % shown is of total SCS based outside London, rounded to the nearest whole number We do not use the descriptor Assistant Director in Defra; Team Leader and Policy Manager posts are below SCS level.

Agriculture: Technology

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assistance her Department is providing to support farmers in utilising new technologies to increase productivity.

George Eustice: Support for farmers in utilising new technologies is provided through the Countryside Productivity scheme which is part of the Rural Development Programme for England.For example, the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural productivity and sustainability (EIP-Agri) provides grant support to projects which link research and innovation with farming or forestry practices. It also provides capital grant funding to drive best practice, innovation and targeted projects for Government and industry priorities such as animal health, resource management, and arable and horticultural productivity.Wider government initiatives include the Agri-Tech Strategy launched in 2013. £60 million is being invested in a catalyst to fund agri-tech projects and £80 million is invested in four world class Centres for Agricultural Innovation. This is to develop and support the wide scale adoption of innovation and technology, developing skills and capability in the food and farming supply chain.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Apprentices

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many apprenticeships have been created in her Department in each region in each of the last five years; and how many participants in those apprenticeships subsequently secured a job within the Civil Service.

George Eustice: Departmental apprenticeships within Defra have recently been introduced as a response to the Civil Service annual apprenticeship targets. Apprenticeship data was not collected in Defra prior to January 2016. Data on apprenticeships is now collected and reported to Cabinet Office quarterly. In the most recent return to Cabinet Office, as of the end of the first quarter of 2016/17, it was reported that two apprenticeships had commenced within the Department, one within London and one within the West Midlands. Both participants are still undertaking their apprenticeship. The data collection exercise for those apprenticeships starting in Quarter 2 is currently underway. Defra plan to considerably expand their apprenticeship programme in light of the Government’s manifesto commitment to achieve three million new apprenticeship starts in England by the end of the Parliament. We are currently in the process of onboarding new apprentices from a recent recruitment campaign as well as looking at further opportunities to develop our existing employees through apprenticeship schemes. The Cabinet Office will be centrally collecting data on all future apprenticeships to allow the Civil Service to report on its contribution towards the national target and enable tracking of initial outcomes of apprenticeships (e.g. successful completion and continued employment in the Civil Service).

Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much the Government has paid from the public purse in compensation to farmers for animals culled in efforts to control bovine tuberculosis since 1998.

George Eustice: Net government compensation paid to farmers for animals culled in efforts to control bovine tuberculosis in England since 1998 is as follows. Net figures take account of any carcass salvage income received by government:1998/1999 - £0.2m1999/2000 - £4.3m2000/2001 - £5.2m2001/2002 - £5.9m2002/2003 - £23.2m2003/2004 - £25.1m2004/2005 - £25.2m2005/2006 - £30.9m2006/2007 - £13.2m2007/2008 - £16.1m2008/2009 - £28.4m2009/2010 - £28.1m2010/2011 – £24.3m2011/2012 – £23.5m2012/2013 – £23.9m2013/2014 – £22.6m2014/2015 – £20.9m2015/2016 – £20.9m

Food: Prices

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on food prices for products sourced from developing countries.

George Eustice: The UK currently sources only a small proportion of its food from developing countries. The most important drivers of retail food price inflation, including for products sourced from developing countries, are commodity prices, exchange rates and oil prices.

Department of Health

Clinical Priorities Advisory Board

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, which groups consulted on the Summary Documents produced for the prioritisation meeting of the Clinical Priorities Advisory Board.

David Mowat: All of the policies being considered at the planned re-prioritisation meeting of the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group have been subject to both informal stakeholder testing and a formal period of public consultation where a number of documents were shared. These documents included the draft policy, engagement report, evidence review and impact assessment. More recently, NHS England has been working with the suppliers and manufacturers associated with each policy to determine whether it might be possible for lower prices to be offered to reduce the estimated cost of implementation. If lower prices are possible, this may have the effect of either changing the relative priority of an individual policy and/or making more of the policies affordable overall. NHS England has been sharing a summary of the feedback and price offers with individual suppliers for final checks and comments as it concludes this process, but has not shared these with a wider range of stakeholders, as many of these documents contain commercial in confidence information.

Department of Health: Location

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (a) how many and (b) what proportion of senior civil service graded posts in his Department classified as (i) deputy director, (ii) assistant director, (iii) team leader and (iv) policy manager have been based outside London in each year since 2014.

David Mowat: All the Department’s SCS 1 (Senior Civil Servant) group are classified as deputy directors. Assistant directors do not exist in the Department and team leaders or policy managers are members of the graded structure, below SCS, in the Department. The numbers and proportions of the total SCS staff who are deputy directors are given immediately below: YearNumber of SCS who are Deputy DirectorsProportion of all SCS who are Deputy Directors201413278%201513980%201611376% The numbers and proportions of deputy directors outside London are presented in the table below: YearNumber of Deputy Directors outside LondonProportion of all Deputy Directors outside London20143527%20153727%20162825% All the above figures for each year were taken as at 31 December of that year, apart from the figures for 2016 which were taken as at 30 September 2016.

Prescription Drugs

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to encourage the adoption of a personalised approach to medicines (a) in general and (b) in the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Nicola Blackwood: The Government is committed to embedding the use of genomic technologies and personalised medicine in healthcare. Through significant investment the 100,000 Genomes Project and the establishment of 13 NHS Genomics Medicine Centres, the National Health Service is at the forefront of the collection and use of whole genomes sequence data on a large scale. The project covers cancer and rare diseases including familial hypercholesterolemia. NHS England published ‘Improving Outcomes though Personalised Medicine’ on 7 September 2016: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/qual-clin-lead/personalisedmedicine/ This document sets out the vision for embedding personalised medicine within healthcare provision and explains how the use of genomics and other diagnostics can be used to identify people most at risk of diseases such as familial hypercholesterolemia before the onset of their symptoms. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence has also published clinical guidelines on the identification and management of adults and children with familial hypercholesterolemia. These guidelines are currently being reviewed and updated.

General Practitioners: Working Hours

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many GPs were full-time in (a) 2010 and (b) 2016.

David Mowat: There is no standard definition of full-time working in the latest General Medical Services contract. There is also no consistent time series to estimate the number of full-time general practitioners in 2010 and 2016. The latest data from NHS Digital for March 2016 shows that 14,159 general practitioners (excluding Locums) worked at least full time.

Mental Health Services: West Yorkshire

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to improve the provision of mental health services in (a) Calderdale and (b) West Yorkshire.

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to assist young people experiencing mental health problems in Calderdale.

Nicola Blackwood: Ultimately, the provision of mental health services in Calderdale and West Yorkshire, including those for children and young people, is a matter for local National Health Service commissioners. The Government is investing an additional £1.4 billion to improve children and young people’s mental health, including eating disorders. We welcome the publication of the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health to transform mental health services and ensure that an additional one million people have access to services by 2020/21. In line with the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health, NHS England advises that Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has worked with the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and partners to improve crisis services for mental health, including further development of the Early Intervention in Psychosis Services; the establishment of a hospital-based Mental Health Liaison team; the development of a Police Liaison team and has bid successfully for national and local funding to pilot safe spaces for adults in mental distress in Calderdale. In addition, Calderdale has successfully bid to become an early implementer for the development of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services for people with long-term conditions. There are other initiatives around specialist perinatal services, older people’s mental health services and rehabilitation and recovery services. The Calderdale CCG has received additional funding to use to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people – around £290,000 to meet local priorities and £107,000 for eating disorder services. Calderdale’s Local Transformation Plan for Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing, 2015-2020 can be obtained on the CCG’s website at: https://www.calderdaleccg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Calderdale-Childrens-and-Adults-mental-Health-Services-transformation-plan-2015-2020.pdf

General Practitioners: Attendance

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to (a) prevent the late cancellation of appointments with GPs and (b) reduce the cost to GPs of cancelled appointments.

David Mowat: NHS England is promoting the use of online booking and cancellation of appointments in general practice. Evidence shows that patients are more likely to cancel an appointment which is no longer needed if the appointment was booked online. Furthermore, some general practitioner (GP) surgeries display information about lost clinic time potentially resulting from cancelled appointments which cannot be re-filled or from patients not attending appointments without any prior notification. NHS England is trying to reduce the cost to GPs of cancelled appointments by putting measures in place to minimise the number of cancelled and missed appointments.

Medical Certificates: Fees and Charges

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to ensure that GPs do not charge people with mental health conditions for the provision of a doctor's note.

David Mowat: General practitioners (GPs) are independent contractors who hold contracts with NHS England to provide primary medical services for the National Health Service. Under the terms of their contract, GPs are required to provide certain medical reports or complete certain forms, such as those required to support a claim for incapacity benefit, free of charge to their registered patients. Outside of contractual requirements, GPs also provide a variety of other services which successive governments have regarded as private matters between the patient and the GP providing these services. In such cases, decisions on whether to charge a fee and the level of the fee charged are at the GP’s discretion. Where GPs intend to charge for services to patients, the British Medical Association advises them to forewarn patients, at the earliest opportunity, of the likely level of fees.

Capita: Standards

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that NHS England is monitoring the performance of the contract awarded to Capita relating to primary care support; and if he will make a statement.

David Mowat: My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Nicola Blackwood) has convened meetings with NHS England and Capita officials to both understand the operational performance delivery of the Primary Care Support services contract managed by Capita for NHS England and to quality assure recovery plans drawn up and implemented jointly by NHS England and Capita. At ministerial and official level, the Department will continue to scrutinise the additional measures and resources that are now being employed to restore these essential services.

Patients: Transport

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 26 October 2016 to Question 49779, whether he has ordered an investigation into whether, at any point since 1 April 2016, any other patient transport services were provided without the required registration with the Care Quality Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Philip Dunne: The commissioning of patient transport services is ultimately a matter for the local National Health Service, but the Department is taking urgent action to address any issues that this case raises. First, in light of information brought to the attention of the Minister of State, following an Adjournment debate on 25 October 2016, the Department has asked the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to investigate the regulation status of all contractors and sub-contractors of patient transport services commissioned by the High Weald Havens Clinical Commissioning Group from April 2016. Second, the Department has also asked NHS England to ensure that clinical commissioning groups are assured of the CQC registration status of their local patient transport providers.

Dense Deposit Disease: Eculizumab

Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent discussions he has had with NHS England on the effectiveness of eculizumab for the treatment of dense deposit disease.

Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent discussions he has had with the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group on the funding of eculizumab for the treatment of dense deposit disease.

David Mowat: Eculizumab is not a licensed treatment for Dense Deposit Disease and well-constructed clinical trials on effectiveness are yet to be carried out. A new policy proposition for its use in treating the disease before a patient has had a kidney transplant will be considered during 2016/17. There is a published policy on use of this drug for the prevention of recurrence after a patient has had a transplant. A policy on the treatment of C3 glomerulopathy that occurs after a kidney transplant will be considered by the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group (CPAG) at its next meeting. The CPAG reviews both patient benefits and cost considerations when making recommendations.

Department of Health: Apprentices

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many apprenticeships have been created in his Department in each region in each of the last five years; and how many participants in those apprenticeships subsequently secured a job within the Civil Service.

David Mowat: Prior to 2015, the Department had no apprentices working in any of its locations. Five or fewer apprentices joined the Department during 2015. We are unable to provide more details or we risk identifying the individuals concerned. The Department is committed to delivering the Civil Service target that a minimum of 2.3% of the workforce in England will be new apprenticeships each year. This is expected to result in 46 apprentices being in position across London and Leeds by the end of the current accounting year.

Breast Cancer: Everolimus

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, on what evidence the Clinical Priorities Advisory Board based its decision to not fund the use of Afinitor for the treatment of breast cancer.

David Mowat: The Clinical Priorities Advisory Group has not considered Afinator for the treatment of breast cancer. Afinitor is one of four breast cancer treatments currently available through the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF), where certain criteria apply. Afinitor will remain available through the CDF while it is being reappraised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as part of the transition to the new CDF model.

General Practitioners: Wiltshire

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent discussions he has had on the provision of GP surgeries in Wiltshire.

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will visit Wiltshire to assess the need for a GP surgery in Lyneham.

David Mowat: Decisions about local health services are for local determination. My Rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has had no recent discussions on the provision of general practitioner surgeries in Wiltshire and has no current plans to visit Wiltshire. We are advised by NHS England that the plans for a branch surgery in Lyneham were declined by the Primary Care Joint Commissioning Committee for Wiltshire, because a Local Authority Needs Assessment decided that there was no unmet health need in Lyneham. However, the Committee has identified a number of areas for improved service delivery and NHS England is working with local providers to address this.

NHS: Finance

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (a) how much and (b) what proportion of the total NHS budget was spent on imports in each of the last five years.

Mr Philip Dunne: The requested information is not collected centrally.

NHS: Finance

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the potential effect of recent changes in the exchange rate on NHS budgets for each of the next three years.

Mr Philip Dunne: The spending review set budgets for the National Health Service for the years up to and including 2020-21. The vast majority of income and costs of NHS budgets are denominated in pounds sterling. Initial work has been undertaken by Departmental officials to review the potential impact of changes in the exchange rate on costs in the NHS and this will continue to be reviewed alongside other aspects of costs modelling.

Coeliac Disease: Prescriptions

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance he has given to clinical commissioning groups on the issuing of prescriptions for people diagnosed with coeliac disease; and if he will make a statement.

David Mowat: General practitioners can provide any product they consider necessary for the treatment of their patients, unless that product appears on a list of specific exclusions published under the General Medical Services Contracts regulations. Prescribing decisions need to be made in discussion with the patient concerned and prescribers need to be able to justify their actions if challenged. A range of gluten-free staple foods are available on prescription to patients with established gluten sensitive enteropathies, which include coeliac disease.

Department of Health: Staff

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he plans to publish the equality impact assessment on the proposed reduction to staff levels in his Department.

David Mowat: The Department is undertaking an Equality Impact Assessment of the DH 2020 change programme in line with the Public Sector Equality Duty. This will be published internally in 2017 when the outcomes of the current selection process are known.

Pharmacy: Finance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the time it will take community pharmacies to make adequate preparations for planned changes to their funding.

David Mowat: The changes related to Community Pharmacy in 2016/17 and beyond were announced on 20 October, which gives six weeks’ notice before the changes are implemented on 1 December. The sector has been aware since 17 December 2015 of the planned funding reduction for the 2016/17 financial year and the proposed timescales for implementing it. Indeed the resolution to be implemented in 2016/17 is £57 million lower than that initially proposed. We have provided information on the changes so that pharmacy contractors can make adequate preparations.

NHS: Sustainable Development

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that clinicians have the opportunity formally to engage in discussions on NHS sustainability and transformation plans.

David Mowat: The process for Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) is designed to bring together health and care leaders, including clinical commissioning groups, to support improvements in health and care based on the needs of local populations.NHS England, with other national health and care bodies, released guidance to the local areas developing STP Plans entitled ‘Engaging local people’ in September 2016. A copy of this guidance can be found here:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/engag-local-people-stps.pdfIt is expected most areas will take a version of their STP to their organisation’s public board meeting for discussion between late October and the end of the year. It is expected that plans will be published, for more formal engagement, during this period – building on the engagement they have already done to shape thinking. Every area will be working to a different timeframe, based on its individual circumstances.

Mental Health Services: Females

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to ensure that all NHS mental health trusts consider the needs of women in service planning and delivery; and if he will make a statement.

Nicola Blackwood: NHS England and clinical commissioning groups are committed to ensuring fair and equitable National Health Service mental health services for all, which includes meeting the needs of all women in service planning, commissioning of services and service delivery. NHS England launched the Five Year Forward View Mental Health Task Force Report in February 2016, which clearly outlined action to be taken nationally, regionally, and locally to improve mental health services in England for women and all groups protected under the Equality Act 2010.

General Practitioners: Fees and Charges

Sir Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he has considered introducing refundable charges for GP visits.

David Mowat: One of the key principles of National Health Service care is that it should be free at the point of delivery. Introducing charges is not being considered, as it would undermine this central principle.

NHS: Sustainable Development

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much has been paid out to each NHS sustainability and transformation plan footprint lead in (a) total and (b) each footprint area.

David Mowat: Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) footprints are not statutory bodies, but collective discussion forums which aim to bring together health and care leaders to support the delivery of improved health and care based on the needs of local populations. They do not replace existing local bodies, or change local accountabilities. In the overwhelmingly majority of cases the role of STP lead is a voluntary, non-statutory role and they are not being paid over and above the remuneration they receive for their existing role. The existing salary details of STP leaders will be available in the individual annual reports of the organisations by whom they are substantively employed.

General Practitioners

Sir Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to improve GP appointment waiting times.

David Mowat: According to the latest GP Patient Survey (published in July 2016), 84.7% of respondents indicated that they were able to get an appointment the last time they tried. Of those who were able to get an appointment, 92.1% say their appointment was convenient and 81.9% of patients who wanted to see a doctor or nurse on the same day were able to do so. The Government is committed to improving access to general practitioner (GP) services as part of our plan for a seven day National Health Service. To implement this, £175 million has been invested in the GP Access Fund to test improved and innovative access to GP services. Across the two waves of the Access Fund, there are 57 schemes covering over 2,500 practices and 18 million patients – a third of the population – that have benefited from improved access and transformational change at local level. This includes more appointments being made available, especially at times more convenient for patients, such as weekday evenings and weekends. It also includes different approaches like telephone consultations and better use of the wider primary care workforce (such as Advanced Nurse Practitioners, pharmacists, the voluntary sector, physiotherapists and paramedics) to deliver improved access to patients. These approaches have helped release local GP capacity, improve patient choice, and more appropriately matched the needs of patients with the most appropriate professional to care for them. In addition to Access Fund sites, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) may offer local initiatives for improving access to GPs. Practices in the GP Access Fund are testing an automated appointment measuring interface (the GP Appointment Tool) to give them detailed information about their activity and how it varies over time. This will help practices match their supply of appointments more closely to demand. It will be available for every practice from 2017-18. The General Practice Forward View, published in April 2016, announced that an extra £2.4 billion a year will be invested in GP services by 2020-21. As part of overall investment in general practice, NHS England will provide over £500 million of recurrent funding by 2020-21, on top of current primary medical care allocations, to enable CCGs to commission and fund extra capacity across England. This is to ensure that by 2020, everyone has access to GP services, including sufficient routine appointments at evenings and weekends to meet locally determined demand, alongside effective access to out-of-hours and urgent care services.

Mental Health Services: Pregnancy

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the Mental Health Five Year Forward View Dashboard, when his Department plans to publish data relating to the indicator, clinical commissioning group spend on specialist perinatal community service.

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the Mental Health Five Year Forward View Dashboard, when his Department plans to publish data relating to the indicator, proportion of children and young adults showing reliable improvement in outcomes following treatment.

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the Mental Health Five Year Forward View Dashboard, when his Department plans to publish data relating to the indicator, proportion of children and young people aged 0 to 18 inclusive meeting their mutually agreed goals against the number of children and young pepple accessing services.

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the Mental Health Five Year Forward View Dashboard, when his Department plans to publish data relating to the indicator, referral to perinatal mental health treatment waiting times for access to evidence-based care.

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the Mental Health Five Year Forward View Dashboard, when his Department plans to publish data relating to the indicator, collection and recording of routine outcomes measures for perinatal mental health.

Nicola Blackwood: NHS England is working in collaboration with the Department, NHS Improvement and NHS Digital to improve the data available to track progress in mental health services, however this will take time. The mental health dashboard pulls together in the public domain, for the first time, measures across mental health services. The mental health dashboard will develop alongside our work to deliver against the recommendations in the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health.The mental health dashboard includes a number of ‘placeholder’ measures and a further list of measures which will be added to future versions of the dashboard. These placeholder measures, including children and young adults showing reliable improvement, children and young people meeting mutually agreed goals, outcome measures for perinatal mental health, and perinatal mental health waiting times, are expected to be developed over the course of the next year with a view to including these in the dashboard in 2017/18. These measures require further development to define exactly how they will be constructed and some will need to be built on data which is not currently routinely collected across the National Health Service. NHS England is working with NHS Digital to ensure that the data reported is robust.Progress is being made on reporting against clinical commissioning group (CCG) spend in a number of areas of mental health. CCG spend on perinatal mental health is expected to be published in early 2017.

Nurses: Migrant Workers

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many non-UK born nurses have worked in the NHS and social care services in each year for which data has been collected.

Mr Philip Dunne: The number of non-United Kingdom born nurses working in the National Health Service and social care is not collected by the Department. NHS Digital publishes data on the nationality of staff working in the NHS in England. The number of non-British nurses working in the NHS from 2009 to 2015 is set out in the table below: Year2009201020112012201320142015Non-British Nurses and Health Visitors36,94138,02637,45336,64137,02539,92243,716 Source: NHS Digital, NHS Hospital and Community Health Service workforce statistics. Notes:1. Figures are provided in headcount and at September of each year.2. As nationality is self-reported, the value entered by an individual may reflect their cultural heritage rather than their country of birth. As such, these figures should be treated with a significant degree of caution.3. These figures do not necessarily equate to migrants from other countries, and such data is not captured elsewhere in the workforce systems.4. These figures exclude Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who do not use the electronic staff record.5. Nationally, over 95,000 NHS staff records do not contain useful data with people choosing not to specify their nationality or not asked to. Skills for Care (SfC), the partner in the sector skills council for social care, collects data on the nationality of nurses working in adult social care in England. SfC estimates on the number of non-British nurses working in adult social care is set out in the table below: Years2012-132013-142014-152015-16Registered nurses20,00019,00018,00017,000 Source: Skills for Care workforce estimates 2012-13 to 2015-16 Notes:1. This information refers to jobs working in the statutory local authority sector and the independent sectors only. Jobs for direct payment recipients and those working in the NHS are not included in these workforce estimates.2. Independent sector information is derived from the National Minimum Dataset for social care (NMDS-SC) as at March 2013-16, local authority information is correct as at September 2012-15.

Nurses: Training

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many (a) people enrolled as student nurses and (b) applications were received for such enrolment in each year for which data has been collected.

Mr Philip Dunne: The following table shows the total number of people who enrolled as student nurses in each year in England for which data has been collected. Year1998-991999-20002000-012001-022002-032003-042004-052005-062006-07Nurse Total16,83717,69218,92320,61021,52322,81523,37720,30821,199 Year2007-082008-092009-102010-112011-122012-132013-142014-152015-16Nurse Total19,35220,66420,82920,09217,74117,21917,56819,14719,949 Source: multi professional education and training budget monitoring returnsData on the number of applicants for University nursing training places is collected by the University and Colleges Admissions Service.

NHS: Finance

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the cost to the public purse has been of (a) capital and (b) private finance initiative projects in the NHS and social care services in England in each year for which data is recorded.

Mr Philip Dunne: A time-series of total public capital spending against the Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL), since 2007-08, is recorded as an annex to the Department of Health Annual Report and Accounts 2015-16. The following table summarises the Capital DEL outturn for these years. £000s2007-083,966,1032008-094,368,5332009-105,182,2752010-114,158,6052011-123,771,2682012-133,782,8822013-144,348,9092014-153,950,6942015-163,631,849 Information relating to all Private Finance Initiative (PFI) projects in the National Health Service and social care in England is available on the Treasury’s website, via: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/private-finance-initiative-and-private-finance-2-projects-2015-summary-data The capital cost figures are for the initial construction cost. The revenue payment figures include not just the financing costs (debt repayment and interest) for initial construction but also the costs of all the other services such as building maintenance and support services (cleaning, catering, portering etc) provided over the lifetime of the contract. The payments are subject to meeting agreed performance and quality standards and include an annual uprate assumption for inflation of 2.5%. The following table shows the latest published PFI revenue payments for hospital and social care schemes. Revenue Payments 2014-15 (£ million)Hospital and Acute1,879Social care63Total1,942  The recorded spend through Capital DEL includes expenditure on IT and equipment assets, whereas the spend recorded as PFI is focused on delivering serviced hospital buildings. Where buildings are delivered with Capital DEL funding they also incur significant costs in maintenance, cleaning etc but the Department does not retain a record of these costs.

NHS: Temporary Employment

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many agency staff have been assigned to the NHS and social care services in England in each year for which data is available; and what the cost to the public purse of such staff has been in each such year.

Mr Philip Dunne: Total agency spending in the National Health Service is available for the years 2013/14 to 2015/16 YearSpending (£ billion)2015/163.6322014/153.1892013/142.589 Data for the number of agency staff is not collected centrally; trusts publish individual accounts, which are publicly available. In a drive to increase transparency and performance, NHS Improvement is to begin publishing agency performance league tables in the coming weeks. NHS Improvement has written to trusts asking them to publish information about their 20 highest earning agency staff, and any agency staff who have been in post longer than six months.